A MOCK rescue conducted by the Frankston Volunteer Coast Guard on 3 October has shown it takes roughly 40 minutes to make a rescue from their current temporary base.
The rescue team departed Patterson Lakes Marina at 11.10 am, and travelled along Patterson River in slightly difficult conditions.
The rescue vessel was bound for the south of Oliver’s Hill jetty. At 11.30am the distressed vessel was reached, and it took another 20 minutes to tow the boat back to the Olivers Hill boat ramp.
Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton attended the mock run, and highlighted the importance of building the coast guard a new home at Oliver’s Hill.
“Currently, no safe boat refuge exists between Sandringham and Safety Beach for Coast Guard and Water Police boats, with vessels moored more than 45 minutes away in Patterson River, delaying rescues by up to 100 minutes in adverse weather,” he said.
“On top of that, the Frankston Coast Guard’s operations centre had been condemned after it reached the end of its serviceable life, with services and rescues currently being coordinated out of temporary council facilities.”
“Every second counts when it comes to an emergency. This example is evidence that the current facilities for marine rescues aren’t up to scratch. We’re asking for state and federal governments to commit $8 million each to deliver the vital marine safety that our Coast Guard, Water Police and all bay users need and deserve.”
The Coast Guard’s old building was demolished in September, when they moved into a temporary space at the Mechanics Institute in Frankston.