Marine Rescue NSW will soon unify the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and the Volunteer Rescue Association under the one organisation.

Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Lake Macquarie is the second oldest division within the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and will celebrate its 59th birthday this weekend.

Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Royal Volu-nteer Coastal Patrol divisional commander Frank Jarvie said the transition to the new organisation would be without any noticeable change.

“Whilst it will be sad in some ways having to forgo the name coastal patrol after so many years, we are looking forward to being part of a unified Marine Rescue organisation,” he said.

The gala festivities will start at 7.30am this Saturday, October 31 at Lakeview Parade, Pelican.

A five-kilometre beach-to-base surf-ski race organised by Swansea-Belmont Surf Club will feature, along with onstage entertainment by Toni Stevens, markets and food stalls.

Marine Rescue NSW also will set up an info-rmation stand to answer questions from the boating public and interested new members.

Both men and women of all ages are welcome to join the new Marine Rescue NSW organisation, with duties ranging from boat skippers, to radio operators to fund raisers.

Go to www.marinerescuensw.com.au to find out more information on the new organisation.