Narooma Marine Rescue history to be captured in writing for the first time

Narooma is often referred to as one of the most dangerous coastal bars in the country, and such a reputation would have no shortage of interesting and amazing stories to tell.

Marine Rescue Narooma volunteer Craig Petterd said he was inspired by the Merimbula rescue unit, who created a similar history book.

"There have been rescues out of Narooma going back to at least the 1800s and I just thought we have a rich and varied history here we should really write it down somewhere," he said.

"I want to look at the creation of the rescue service, including the merger of the Volunteer Marine Association and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol into what we now call Marine Rescue Narooma."

Mr Petterd is working to track down former coastal patrol members, and their families as well as current members to get the full picture of the service.

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"I've managed to track down Pat Neasmith, whose late husband was the very first radio operator for the coast and she's been able to give so much information and even photos from that time," he said.

"It's turning into a big project but one I'm really loving because every time I talk to someone they recommend another person to talk to as well, it's fascinating."

Anyone with information about the history of the rescue service including photos, memorabilia, recollections or documents is encouraged to get in touch with Mr Petterd.

"We lose a lot of oral history so I think it's important to write it down, and the Narooma service had a major impact on the way other services along the coast are run so it's something we should be proud of," he said.

The history of the Marine Rescue Narooma is expected to be completed and released next year when the service's new boat is formally commissioned.

In the meantime, Mr Petterd said volunteers were always welcome not only to learn about the history but to help the team deliver its life saving services.

"There's so many jobs volunteers can do, from the radio room to out on the rescue boat," he said.

"Plus, it's the best office view on the coast! On a good, sunny day you can see all the way to Pigeon House mountain, 99 kilometres away."