Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport

A busy Sunday afternoon on the water helping out those in need. A quick look out the back is a reminder of the great work we do to assist.

👏 Welcome to our 3 newest VMR Southport recruits!

On their very first shift, our new members completed a swim test to demonstrate basic swimming competency and the ability to safely use a lifejacket in the water.

They also participated in hands-on training with a variety of our portable water pumps, learning important emergency response skills that may one day assist those in need.

Of course, becoming a Marine Rescue volunteer is about much more than formal training. It’s about getting sea time, spending time with experienced crew members, observing, learning, and building confidence through real-world experience.

VMR Southport regularly conducts introductory information nights for anyone interested in joining our volunteer team.

Interested in making a difference on the water?

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌊 Marine Weather Update – Gold Coast Waters 🌊

Before heading offshore this weekend, take a close look at both the wind direction and the swell direction.

📍 Forecast Overview
💨 Winds: SE 15–25 knots
🌊 Swell: E 1–2 metres

Many boaties focus on wave height alone, but the direction matters just as much.

When the swell and wind come from different directions, the ocean can become more confused and uncomfortable. This weekend’s easterly swell combined with southeasterly winds may create a choppy sea state, particularly offshore and around the Seaway.

Before heading out, check:
• Marine weather forecast
• Tide times and heights
• Actual wind observations
• Actual wave buoy readings

Remember that forecasts can change without notice. Always check the latest conditions yourself and make your own assessment as to whether it is safe for your vessel, crew and level of experience.

Useful links:

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

🌊 Gold Coast Wave Buoy:
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/beach/monitoring/waves-sites

Heading offshore? Don’t forget to Log On and Log Off with Seaway Tower on VHF Channel 73.

Stay safe and enjoy the weekend on the water.

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. 👏🚤⚓