Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport

VMR Southport – Red Crew on Watch This Weekend

Red Crew is on duty from 6:00pm Friday through to 6:00pm Saturday, standing by to assist boaters across the Broadwater, Seaway and offshore waters.

With another great weekend ahead, we know plenty of people will be heading out to enjoy everything our waterways have to offer. Whether you’re fishing offshore, cruising the Broadwater, heading to South Stradbroke or simply enjoying a day on the water with family and friends, a little preparation goes a long way.

Before you leave the ramp:

✅ Check the latest BoM Marine Forecast and weather warnings
✅ Leave a trip plan with a family member or friend
✅ Ensure your VHF radio is operational and monitor Channel 16
✅ Carry sufficient fuel with a healthy reserve
✅ Check lifejackets, batteries and other safety equipment before departure
✅ Let someone know if your plans change

The Gold Coast waterways can be busy, particularly around the Seaway and popular anchorages. Maintain a good lookout, be aware of other vessel traffic, and remember that conditions can change quickly.

If you need assistance, don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one.

🚨 Emergency: Call 000 and/or make a MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16
📻 Non-Emergency Assistance: VMR Southport – 07 5591 1300 or VHF Channel 73

🔥 Red Crew Hot Tip:
Before departing, take 30 seconds and ask yourself: “If the engine stopped right now, what would I do?” Knowing where your anchor is, how to deploy it quickly, and having a simple plan can turn a potential emergency into a minor inconvenience.

Have a fantastic weekend on the water and stay safe.

VMR Southport Red Crew

The last day of Autumn did not disappoint.
What a cracker of a day. Sun was shining, wind was blowing. Not too hot and not too cold. Just perfect weather.

Good morning Gold Coast. Beautiful and sunny start to you Sunday.
Blue Crew is on duty today.
We can be contacted on VHF Chl 73 on your marine radio.or 07 5591 1300.
Forecast for Sunday until midnight as per www.bom.gov.au
Winds - Southwesterly 15 to 20 knots.
Seas -Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Point Lookout.
Swell - Southerly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to around 1 metre offshore.
Weather - Mostly sunny.

🌊⚠️ GOLD COAST MARINE WEATHER UPDATE ⚠️🌊

This weekend is shaping up to be a rough one on the water, with strong southerly winds, large swell, and hazardous surf conditions forecast across the Gold Coast waters.

👉 In short: it’s a stay inshore weekend at best … or maybe a good weekend to head to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show instead 🚤⚓

Saturday

⚠️ Strong Wind Warning
💨 Southerly 25–30 knots
🌊 Seas 2.5–3m
🌊 SE swell 2–3m inshore, increasing to 4–5m offshore
🌧 90% chance of showers

Sunday

⚠️ Strong Wind Warning continues
💨 SE 15–25 knots, up to 30 knots offshore early
🌊 Seas 1.5–2.5m
🌊 SE swell 3–4m easing slightly later
🌧 90% chance of showers

Gold Coast Seaway Tide Times (Today)

⬆️ 1:30am — 1.68m High
⬇️ 8:25am — 0.43m Low
⬆️ 2:30pm — 1.16m High
⬇️ 7:51pm — 0.60m Low

⚠️ Combined with the large easterly swell, expect difficult and dangerous conditions around the Seaway and offshore bars.

Live Wave Buoy Data (as of Sat 23/5, 6:30am)

🌊 Significant wave height: 3.62m
🌊 Maximum wave recorded: 5.66m
🌊 Peak wave period: 13 seconds
➡️ Wave direction: Easterly (96°)

👉 These are serious ocean conditions.

Please remember:

* Forecasts are averages only
* Wind gusts can be significantly stronger
* Maximum waves can be twice the forecast height

📡 BOM Forecast:
https://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/gold-coast-waters.shtml

🌬 Live wind observations:
https://www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/qld-gold-coast

🌊 Wave buoy data:
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/beach/monitoring/waves-sites/gold-coast

⚓ If in doubt — don’t go out.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is on this weekend and we’ll be there!

If you’re heading along, come and say hi 👋 and meet your VMR Southport volunteers.

Have a chat with the crew about boating safety, marine rescue operations, radio operations, first response care, and what goes on behind the scenes to help keep our waterways safe.

To find out more about the show, visit: https://sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/

Today we would like to congratulate Glenn Norris OAM on receiving this well deserved honour for his outstanding service to the community through emergency response organisations.

Glenn’s dedication, commitment and countless hours volunteering with Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport have made a lasting impact on so many people over the years. His willingness to serve the community, help others in times of need, and support emergency response operations is truly admirable.

This recognition is a reflection of the passion, professionalism and selfless contribution Glenn has given to volunteering and the marine rescue community.

Congratulations Glenn Norris OAM — an incredible achievement and very well deserved. 👏🚤⚓

Another beautiful weekend on the Gold Coast waterways, although conditions are looking a little mixed with increasing cloud, light showers and southerly winds forecast across the Broadwater and offshore areas. Boaties should keep a close eye on the latest BOM marine forecasts before heading out, especially with more unsettled weather expected over the next few days.

Red Crew Hot Tip: Before departing, always give someone ashore a simple trip plan. Where you’re going, who’s onboard and when you expect to return. It takes 2 minutes and can make all the difference if something goes wrong.

Boating Fun Fact: Did you know the “rule of thirds” is often used by experienced skippers for fuel management? One third of your fuel to get there, one third to get home, and one third kept in reserve for unexpected conditions, detours or delays.

Enjoy the waterways, look after each other, monitor VHF Channel 16 or 73 and stay safe on the water.

Red Crew Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport

Good morning Gold Coast. Beautiful and sunny start to you Sunday.
Blue Crew is on duty today. We can be contacted on VHF Chl 73 on your marine radio.or 07 5591 1300.
Forecast for Sunday until midnight
Winds - Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots.
Seas - Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the afternoon.
1st Swell - Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
2nd Swell - Easterly around 1 metre.
Weather - Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life involving the crew from Marine Rescue Ballina.

These brave volunteers put themselves in harm’s way to help others in need — a selfless act that embodies the very spirit of marine rescue. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, and fellow crew members during this incredibly difficult time.

From all of us at Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport, we stand with you in grief and solidarity. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

Stay safe on the water. 💙