About Us
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad
is a not-for-profit independent marine search and rescue service which was formed in 1967 as a response to the then lack of emergency services on the Mornington Peninsula.
SPRS is a well respected organisation that operates two fully equipped, purpose built, search and rescue boats, as well as a support vehicle and associated rescue and medical equipment.
Based at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, the SPRS is a 24hr, 7 day a week service, providing assistance to Police, Ambulance, other lifesaving organisations and ultimately the community.
It’s main area of operation is the southern end of Port Phillip Bay and the surf coasts of Bass Strait.
The primary role of SPRS is search and rescue and tasks include rescuing persons from the water, searching for missing people and boats, salvage operations and towing boats that are unable to safely make their way back to shore.
Each year our rescue boat provides safety backup for a number of local swim events including the Sorrento Bay Swim, Portsea Swim Classic and Pier to Perignon Swim and the Great Peninsula Paddle.
In addition, SPRS members are involved in promoting safe boating within the community via talks, demonstrations and visits to our Base by school groups etc.
All SPRS members are volunteers and provide their services simply for the satisfaction of assisting their community in a positive way. SPRS is a not for profit charitable organisation and derives its funds primarily from its Opportunity Shop at Rye, some State Government and other Grants and generous public donations.
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad does not charge for its services, although many of those we assist make much appreciated donations.
A Committee of Management, which is elected by the members in October each year, oversees the running of SPRS.
The 2023 / 2024 Committee
President
Murray Grey
Vice President
Kent Quigley
Secretary
Denis Baguley AM
Treasurer
Garry Snell
General Committee