OVER the past 30-odd years, Allan Tennent has helped more than 5000 people out of deep water.
Their thanks at being rescued, often from life-threatening situations, has been his payment.
In being named Queensland Volunteer of the Year 2017, the 64-year-old Brisbane Coast Guard member became the first maritime volunteer to receive such acknowledgment.
“There are about 2000 volunteer coast guards in Queensland. This recognition is for all of them,” Allan told The Senior.
A former importer, he joined the Coast Guard in 1983 soon after buying his first recreational motor boat.
“I wanted to learn more about boating and water safety and it was a friendly little club with just a few guys doing their best back then,” Allan recalled.
He’s now the deputy squadron commodore for the south-east Queensland region and is in charge of training at Brisbane Coast Guard’s Manly base, giving about 30 hours a week of his time to boaties’ safety.
“There’s a lot more watercraft around, a lot more sail boats, power boats – and let’s not forget, jet skis,” he said.
“Yachties, more so than power boaters, get into trouble running aground on sand bars or afoul of changes in weather: power boats are more likely to need help due to mechanical failure.
“We’ve had plenty of emergencies where time in the water has been critical for survival.
“Some lives have been lost. Thankfully, more have been saved.”
Allan urged anyone heading out on the water not to become complacent.
“What appears to be an easy trip can turn into a nightmare quickly. Take all the safety precautions you can.”
Volunteering fast facts:
- While ABS figures suggest volunteer numbers in Queensland are falling, the percentage of older volunteers continues to rise. About one in three of the 983,200 volunteers in Queensland are aged 65 and over.
- Volunteering is worth $11.6 billion to the Queensland economy.
- 95 per cent of volunteers say volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing.
* Courtesy Volunteering Queensland
