For those in peril

Tony and Peter are more usually seen over at the Batemans Bay Marine Rescue base at the Hanging Rock ramp. They are among the 3000-plus volunteers in 46 rescue units, from Point Danger in the north down to Eden, who put their lives at risk going to the aid of boats in trouble off the New South Wales coast.

The State Government - and the boating community - is helping NSW Rescue modernise its fleet of 73 vessels to provide up-to-date, safe and reliable equipment. The new boats are fitted with state-of-the-art navigation, electronics, communication, night vision and first aid equipment, including lifesaving automatic defibrillators. Local fund-raising has traditionally also helped fill the coffers, and that's why I found Tony and Peter out in the town centre today.