Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes volunteers will be on standby to assist boaters on waterways across the Snowy Mountains this long weekend and during the school holidays.

Acting Commissioner, Todd Andrews, said the service is preparing for a surge in activity as families and holidaymakers head out on the water.

“Pending weather conditions, we expect to see more recreational boaters and paddlers during the holiday period,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.

“During the same two-week spring holiday break last year, our crews completed 234 search and rescue missions (across NSW), safely returning 475 people to shore.”

Acting Commissioner Andrews urged boaters to prepare thoroughly before heading out.

“Safety must be your top priority these holidays,” he said.

“Always wear a lifejacket, carry the correct safety equipment, check and monitor the weather conditions, and log on with Marine Rescue NSW so our volunteers know when to expect you back.

“You can log on through the free Marine Rescue NSW app or via VHF Channel 16. Logging on saves vital time in an emergency and lets you leave the shore with confidence.”

Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water.