As a keen fisho, I can sympathise with the guys needing rescuing - but as fishos, they did the unthinkable and are very fortunate that you Matt & the surfers were there and that it wasn't in a more remote spot.
Beach/Rock Fishos rules;
- ALWAYS know your tides & swell movements - we have apps & websites now that can tell us everything we need to know.
- If you're not familiar with the area - GET FAMILIAR by asking a local.
- NEVER trust the ocean, nor turn your back on a wave (rock fishos no. 1 rule)
- ALWAYS leave yourself enough time (& dry land) for an escape route.
Those that think that it's wasted resources (I used to)...it's not. These rescuers train for these type of incidents and as a rescuer - I know that when a call-out happens, it's a great feeling to be able to put that training into a real rescue, especially the ones that end up with all persons involved being rescued and safe.
The other comment I hear a lot is "what a waste of money to save an idiot (or idiots) that get into these situations". These sorts of situations will always happen, and we can't 'idiot-proof' our coastline or terrain, and don't want to as it would mean locking up the coastline (this does happen already in too much of Vic's coastline already) so we have rescuers trained to handle most situations.
Rescue organisational funding is based on the amount of rescues they attend over certain periods, amongst other operational requirements. If such rescues don't occur, funding gets reduced and the effectiveness of the organisation will be diminished. I've seen this and it's very disheartening for the volunteers of the organisation, knowing that they train hard and are prepared for these events, only to find out that 'due to the lack of call-outs, your funding (or equipment allocation, vehicle status etc.) will be reduced'.
Matt, it looks like the system worked as it should (rescue-wise), and you should be stoked to be a part of it, good stuff.
Sailhack, I don't disagree with anything you say, especially that the system worked as it should, and full credit and respect to the rescue services. But it would be disappointing if the fishos could have avoided the deployment of the resources that attended if they had just accepted rescue from the surfers.
I know that any rescue is good practice, but I hope you and other rescuers aren't disheartened by having to attend situations that are easily avoidable (i.e. longboard rescue, in this case).
I'm sure if any one of us got into strife and were rescued, there would be people who could tell one after the fact how avoidable it was or how careless one had been, particularly on the internet.
Nice footage BTW, and for the record, if I ever break a mast I will be happy to get a ride home on the Kayak....!
taah Retzy...
i was thinking about picking up surfers at big left and taking them back out to the head of the break....say 10 bucks for 2 hrs.....then get another half dozen surfers....could be a real earner!!