Marine Rescue NSW will take to the water south of Batemans Bay on Sunday in a major search and rescue training exercise in preparation for summer.
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Rescuers will attempt to locate and retrieve four dummies dropped into the ocean using a fleet of seven vessels, three jet skis, two helicopters and three inflatable boats.
Marine Rescue NSW deputy commissioner Dean Storey said up to 55 rescuers from five regional units and agencies would take part in the theoretical and practical training session.
"This [operation] is the third in our 2014 series of exercises to be held along the coastline to hone marine rescue search and rescue skills and cooperation between agencies," said deputy commissioner Storey.
"It's a major component of our ongoing annual training program for our volunteers from the Monaro and Illawarra regions."
The training exercise will involve members from Batemans Bay, Tuross, Narooma, Merimbula and Ulladulla with the assistance of the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, the Royal Australian Navy, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Deputy Commissioner Storey said the training exercises helped strengthen joint agency capability.
"This is essential to ensure that we have the best possible chance of finding and rescuing someone in the water as soon as possible in an emergency, when time is always of the essence," he said.
Meanwhile, in a recent report, south coast beaches were rated as some of the best in Australia.
