Rescue group praised for dedication

Albany Sea Rescue Squad was hailed as the best in the State at an awards ceremony in Perth at the weekend.

The team took out the outstanding group operations award at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Awards last Saturday.

It is the fourth time in seven years the squad has claimed the title after being recipients in 2009, 2011 and last year.

They were praised for an "unwavering commitment to search and rescue in highly volatile conditions" after carrying out four major rescues and body recoveries in April and May.

Two rock anglers died at Salmon Holes on April 18, while an Albany teenager drowned while fishing at Herald Point the following weekend.

An Albany man survived af- ter being swept off rocks at Ben Dearg Beach less than a fortnight later.

Operations co-ordinator Chris Johns said conditions were perilous during the Salmon Holes four-day search.

"We were out there for 12 hours in 6m swells with waves up to 8m," he said.

"That shows the skills of the squad and co-ordination centre who have our backs the entire time."

Mr Johns said he was very proud of volunteers' unwavering commitment and competence.

"Their efforts are outstanding," he said.

"Other groups seem to look up to Albany and appreciate the severity of the conditions we get here, which is really moving."

Walpole's Alex Williams received the outstanding individual contribution award.

Mr Williams has been a Walpole Volunteer Marine Rescue member since 2006 and the WA South Coast Commander, which oversees Walpole, Denmark, Peaceful Bay and Windy Harbour marine rescue groups for about five years.

"I felt humbled and elated," he said.