East Kimberley volunteer sea rescue group launches new app to take guesswork out of rescues

Home to big tides, unpredictable storms, steaming humidity, crocodiles and sharks, the north Kimberley coast is arguably one of the least desirable places to run into trouble at sea. But thanks to a new app developed by the East Kimberley Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, boat users exploring the scenic fishing hotspot along one of Australia’s most remote coastlines can feel safer on their next voyage knowing help won’t be far away. In what is believed to be a WA first, the East Kimberley group this week launched a new localised web-based app, Back-in Safe East Kimberley, aimed at streamlining its log-in-log-off system and creating more targeted retrievals to save time and potentially lives in rescue situations. Skippers are encouraged to set up a profile through the app and provide their name, vessel details and emergency contacts, which will prefill into personalised login forms for each trip. On each unique journey, skippers travelling between Cape Londonderry and the Northern Territory border will be asked for voyage information, including the number of people onboard, their approximate destination and return time. Commander Lincoln Heading said the app provided a more user-friendly version of its current SMS log-in system while taking the guesswork out of rescue missions. “Now the app removes a lot of repeatability at the push of a button and gives mariners the opportunity to give more information so if we do have to go and rescue, we can be far more focused,” he said. “We’re not asking people to disclose their secret fishing spots, but if we do get a call-out we’re far better off at being able to direct our energies accurately. “The adoption of the app is about giving peace of mind to boaters in the region that somebody knows you’re out there and if something is not right, somebody will respond.” Developed through the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme with support from Lions Club of Broome and the Water Corporation, it’s hoped the app will form a model for other marine rescue services to upgrade from SMS log-in systems. QR codes to download the app are available at the Marine Rescue East Kimberley shed and Wyndham boat ramp.