VMR Currumbin

About VMR Currumbin

VMR Currumbin operates from Currumbin Creek on the southern Gold Coast, primarily servicing an offshore area up to 50nm to the east between Point Danger (QLD / NSW border) and the Gold Coast Seaway at the Southport Spit. This includes the notorious Currumbin and Tallebudgera Bar entrances where vessel capsizes frequently occur, due to shallow water and rapid tidal flows.

As early as 1969 a meeting was called by the local licensees of the original Currumbin Hotel; leading to in 1970; when Air Sea Rescue Currumbin was formed by a group of community minded boaties elected a committee that was headed by the foundation President Mick Carey.

By 1971 the first vessel and tow vehicle were delivered. In 1972 the boatshed and club rooms and boatramp were built on the corner of Thrower Drive and Duringan St, on the southern bank of Currumbin Creek. The building was improved with the addition of more space in 1976. Then in 1980 the new Operations Base was built at Currumbin Alley, with even more expansion in 2002, this is still our home today. There is so much community spirit, history, bravery and dedication attributed to the many VMR Currumbin volunteer members that have proudly served their local boating community over the last 50 years.

Today is no different to yester year when it comes to the volunteers giving up their time; thankfully technology and reliability has improved.

VMR Currumbin provides a daily radio listening watch on all emergency marine radio frequencies; as well as a visual watch over Currumbin Bar between the hours of 0500 – 1230. VMR Currumbin, is manned by a very committed group of volunteers who can respond to calls for assistance promptly; 24 hours / 7 days if required.

In the warmer months, when the mackerel species run on the Palm Beach and Gravel Patch reefs, northeast of Currumbin, in excess of 100 boats and jet skis daily can use the Currumbin and Tallebudgera entrances, many of which log their journey with VMR Currumbin.

VMR Currumbin works very closely alongside and supports the Gold Coast Water Police, Gold Coast City Council Lifeguards and Surf Lifesaving Qld as well as our neighbouring VMRs. VMR Currumbin also provides support to local community water events.

Operational Information

VMR Currumbin operates a 7.5m RIB Rescue vessel as its primary rescue vessel. Call sign Currumbin Rescue 1. This vessel is equipped with VHF and 27Mhz marine radios and a very sophisticated electronic navigation package. This vessel ideally handles the role required of it, especially given that this Squadron operates regularly in white water conditions.

To provide a high level of rapid shallow water response VMR Currumbin also operate two Yamaha FXHO Waverunners; (Currumbin Rescue 2 and 3) fitted with rescue sleds, spot lights, navigation and sounding equipment complete the vessel line up.

A RAM Warlock and a Ford Ranger Wildtrak as tow vehicles provide VMR Currumbin the ability to multi deploy from varying locations. This option of flexibility; multi deployment value adds to improving service to the local community and reduces response times. Additionally with these added assets VMR Currumbin is ideally suited to support neighbouring VMR squadrons.

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