The not-for-profit organisation will hold its annual open day this Sunday at Pelican.

Along with bacon and egg rolls, discover more about the rescue service with a tour of its Pelican base and Swansea Heads radio base.

If you are prepared to line up, there is an opportunity to have a ride on one of the rescue boats. Volunteers will also be on hand to have a chat about the service.

Public relations officer Garry Sullivan said the open day was the service's biggest fundraising event of the year and it usually raised a few thousand dollars to help run the operation.

"We receive limited government funding, [so] we rely on local businesses and community to keep our vessels on the water," he said.

Mr Sullivan said the day was also a good opportunity to remind people about safety messages, such as wearing a life jacket.

This year, there are plans for a combined emergency services exercise between marine rescue and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

There will also be displays by police, fire and rescue, rural fire service, SES, maritime, and surf lifesaving, along with a market and children's activities.

■ Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Open Day, this Sunday, October 18, Pelican Park, 7.30am to 2pm, entry is free. Go to marinerescuelakemacquarie.com.au for more information.