Surf Rescue 30

Home
Australia
Malabar, NSW
Surf Rescue 30

This is the present location of the Surf Rescue 30 base. This vessel was powered a single V8 "chevy" engine connected to a Hamilton three stage jet unit.

Surf Rescue 30 (Randwick District Offshore Rescue Boat) is a surf lifesaving rescue group, crewed by surf lifesavers which has been in operation since 1969
For more information or membership inquires please contact Doug Lucas ORB Coordinator The Randwick District Offshore Rescue Boat (callsign Surf Rescue 30), traces its origins quite literally back to the "summer of 69" when a group of visionary volunteer surf lifesavers recognised the need for a specialist craft to operate beyond the traditional patrolled beaches of Malabar, South Maroubra, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly and utilize the teachings and philosophies of surf lifesaving to save lives. A plan was hatched by these "trailblazing" lifesavers and a support base built at Malabar on Sydney’s eastern beaches (interestingly the construction of the current base was assisted by prisoners from Sydney’s Long Bay Correctional Centre). Malabar is an ideal location not only because of its central position but being a deep and protected ocean bay it affords Surf Rescue 30 direct access into the Pacific Ocean
The original craft chosen was a jet rescue boat or “JRB” as they became colloquially known. The key advantage of this set up was that the rescue craft could access the surf break to assist patients. With an overall length of approximately 6 metres, the craft offered speed and maneuverability in the surf with the craft having a search and rescue duration of up to 6 hours. Operational areas with shallow waters or beach breaks is where a jet system is unmatched – in fact the craft once on the plane could operate quite comfortably in a in water depth of only 10cms allowing it to easily traverse over sandbanks during rescue operations. The Randwick District, comprising the four surf life saving clubs being; South Maroubra, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly operated three such jet rescue boats between 1969 and 1994. The first two were known a "Smiths" and the third was a Mutimer jet boat and they served Sydney Branch Surf Life Saving and the Randwick Communities well on the beaches during this period. In fact, jets boats still perform valuable rescue work in areas where there are lengthy coastlines and shallow and treacherous bar crossings. The absence of underwater appendages inherent with water jets allows these boats to operate close to shore and in shallow waters. In 1994, with the increasing use of Inflatable Rescue Boats (or "Rubber Duckies" as they are affectionately known), there became less of a need for a specialised jet boats for patrol work in a white water aquatic environment. This did not mean there was not a need for a specialist volunteer rescue craft. Rather the craft needed to be "fit for purpose" and the days of jet boats were clearly numbered in Randwick. So what craft was assessed as “fit for purpose”? The Randwick Coastline is in fact a treacherous but spectacular rocky and cliff coastline punctuated by a series of smaller beaches. What was called for was a stable craft to provide beyond the break assistance for the traditional beach lifesavers and lifeguards and access to the deep coastal bays and remote rocky cliffs. Key for this task was reliability, stability and safety and so began the transformation with the use of twin hull vessels know as “Cats”. These craft are fast, fuel efficient and offer maximum space with close to the maximum beam running from bow to stern. The craft operate beyond the break but are small and nimble enough to get close to the coastline when required. In 1992, the Randwick District purchased its first Offshore Rescue Craft cat, a 6.5 metre Noosa Cat which we operated until retiring it out of service in 2002. This craft was succeeded by the “City of Randwick II” a second generation Noosa Cat custom designed for surf lifesaving operations and which remained in service until 2010. Our current craft is a 6.5 metre state of the art KevlaCat specifically customised to suit surf lifesaving rescue requirements. The craft is powered by twin 150 horsepower Yamaha 4-stoke motor and is "state of the art" in terms of design and construction. It carries a variety of paramedical equipment including an oxy viva; defibrillator; soft pack first aid kit; stokes litter; spinal stretcher and collars; rescue tubes; basic tow rig; Penthrane; and basic dive equipment supported by trained volunteer Lifesavers. It carries enough fuel to permit at least a 10 hour tasking and operates with a trained crew of three. Since our inception in 1969, the Group has been tasked to well in excess of 1000 missions. Our motto is "safer beaches, safer coastline, safer lives"

09/11/2025

Ready Steady Go!

Our latest SR30 trainees hit the water for summer 25/26 to bolster numbers before the Summer School holidays. Looks like a great new intake. Thanks to trainers and new volunteers joining the team. 👏

Surf Life Saving Sydney
Randwick City Council

01/11/2025

🚨 SR30 Members Honoured at NSW Police Marine Area Command “Thank You Day” 🚨

On Saturday 1 November 2025, a select group of SR30 members were hosted at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Newport for a special SLS Sydney Northern Beaches RWC & Duty Officer Thank You Day, proudly coordinated by the NSW Police Marine Area Command (Broken Bay WP Sector).

This day recognised the extraordinary commitment of SNB Rescue Services volunteers who, over the past five years, have responded to 481 critical 13SURF taskings—above and beyond their regular patrol duties. These are the men and women who answer the call when it matters most.

Since its inception in 2004, the SNB RWC program has trained 183 lifesavers through its rigorous Jet Ski course, building a legacy of elite capability and service.

🛥️ After a Search and Rescue presentation and Q&A on MAC operations, lifesavers boarded four vessels for on-water demonstrations and crew interaction:

Water Police 21 – Class 2 offshore patrol vessel (26kt, 200nm range, 9000L fuel)

Water Police 32 “Sea Dragon” – High-speed (35kt) patrol vessel with cutting-edge tech

SR30 – Our SLS 2400 Noosa Cat powered by twin 130hp Yamahas

Water Police 56 – Tactical Milpro RIB with twin 400hp Mercurys, capable of 55kt

Lifesavers rotated between vessels, engaging with six local Water Police officers and gaining firsthand insight into the tools and teamwork behind coordinated marine response.

💬 MAC staff expressed heartfelt thanks, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by volunteers and the lives saved through their swift, skilled responses—coordinated via the MAC SAR Room and SurfCom SOC.

🎁 A big thank you to SLSNSW for providing appreciation gifts to all attendees.

🕔 The day began early, with the SR30 crew departing Malabar at 5:30am. The transit doubled as a valuable Coxswain training exercise, including passage planning and patrols along the Northern and Sydney beaches.

Following the presentation SLS volunteers were also able to look over the Wooden Boat Festival with around 70 boats being on display including a 1944 Water Police Nemesis III

👏 Special thanks to all involved—from MAC and RMYC to every volunteer who continues to serve with courage, professionalism, and pride.

Surf Life Saving Sydney
Surf Life Saving NSW
Randwick City Council
Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Newport Royal Motor Yacht Club
Surf Life Saving Australia
NSW Police Forced ay

19/10/2025

Another fabulous moment for SR30 with Sergio Kulikovsky recently completing his Coxswains NC1 at Sea School International.

Sergio joined the group last season and brings significant marine experience travelling all over the world in various vessels. 👏

Surf Life Saving Sydney
Surf Life Saving NSW

12/10/2025

Thanks to the crew of SR30 this weekend kept busy patrolling and responding to various taskings.

Saturday was an incredible day on our waters with the boat visiting Garie SLSC for the official opening of the Garie Road. The waters of Garie and Era Beach were simply magical & crystal clear.

This followed some club engagement at Cronulla and Elouara SLSC whilst tracking back north to Malabar

Sunday saw again nice conditions before a tasking from MAC re a vessel in distress drifting towards rocks. fortunately MRNSW locating the vessel and its passengers helping them to safety.

Later in the afternoon Sydney was hammered by a 35-50kt wind front. This caused havoc on the waters with 35-50n winds hitting Botany Bay.

The boat as well as Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters was tasked to 5 x sailing vessels over turned in Kogarah Bay. Water Police soon had the situation in hand before the boat was again tasked by MAC and Botany Ports to a yacht in distress trying to make way in the wind into Botany. Again the situation was resolved without injury.

Well done crews.

It’s been a weekend of Dolphins, Seals, Whales and no lives lost.

Randwick City Council
Garie Surf Life Saving Club
Surf Life Saving Sydneyibg

11/10/2025

08/10/2025

// We are recruiting

Recruitment of members interested in joining Surf Rescue 30 Offshore Rescue Boat as a crewperson, driver and/or skipper is now open for EOIs.

06/10/2025

Another lovely weekend on our waters with 138 nautical miles covered patrolling keeping our community safe over the October long weekend.

Great to see so many whales 🐋 up and down the coast.

29/09/2025

Summer 25/26 has commenced !

28/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CjfdLEQn9/

Address

1 Fishermans Road
Malabar, NSW
2036

Website

https://sls.sydney/rescue-services/sr30/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Surf Rescue 30 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Surf Rescue 30:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Malabar?