Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated Inspector Stuart Massey on his big wins. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
It’s been four decades in emergency roles but still, every rescue and near miss evokes the same 40 heart-stuttering seconds in the mind of Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey.
As a rookie at the time for Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, he and his peer were coming back in from a training run in an inflatable rescue boat when frantic signalling from the shore alerted them to a young girl struggling in the surf.
Rushing to her rescue, they were about to get hold of her when a wave crashed down. They went high, while the swimmer went under.
“We scanned the water for about 40 seconds before her limp body popped up to the surface,” he said. “Forty seconds is a long time in that kind of situation. It felt like a lifetime.”
They raced over and grabbed her, and some coughing, sputtering, vomiting minutes later, she was handed back to her dad, safe and sound.
This fateful encounter fuelled a decades-long drive to help people on the water.
“It was one of those ‘What would have happened if we weren’t there?’ moments,” Inspector Massey said. “Every rescue since reminds me of that day.”
Inspector Massey, who got his bronze medallion at the Wanda Surf Club in 1984, eventually progressed to work for NSW Marine Rescue where he has worked for the past eight years.
His extraordinary dedication has been formally recognised, with the seasoned emergency services professional receiving two major honours at the 2025 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
The annual awards ceremony celebrated frontline heroes across the state, with Inspector Massey named Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year and the Overall RESCA Winner in the paid category.
Currently serving as the Zone Duty Operations Manager for the Illawarra region, Inspector Massey oversees seven Marine Rescue NSW units. He has long been a cornerstone of marine safety operations, coordinating search and rescue missions around the clock, supporting training programs and championing culturally inclusive safety initiatives.
“I am very honoured to be the recipient of these two prestigious awards,” Inspector Massey said. “When I heard my name, I was in absolute shock — I really thought one of the three other worthy finalists would receive the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award.”
Warren Collins, Stuart Massey, Alex Barrell, Julie Rostron and Helen Zielke at the awards ceremony. Photo: Marine Rescue.
Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to marine safety, Inspector Massey credited the people around him for his continued drive.
“I love being able to be part of a big chain that gets people back safely to shore … I am privileged to work alongside dedicated and skilled volunteers,” he said.
“If there were just three things we would want the broader community to do to help us, the first would be to learn to swim. There are courses for everyone today, it doesn’t matter your age, fitness or background. Second, if you’re going to the beach, no flags, no swim. And third, if you’re going on a boat, wear a life jacket. I have never pulled a body out of the water that was wearing one.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell praised Inspector Massey’s relentless work ethic and leadership, describing him as a vital force within the organisation.
“Stuart works so hard for the organisation and it is great to see his service and dedication recognised,” Commissioner Barrell said. “He is very respected amongst the volunteers and staff and works around the clock to support our units in the delivery of their life-saving service to the boating community of NSW.”
This year’s finalists for Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year also included Lake Macquarie Coxswain Warren Collins, Norah Head Unit Commander Julie Rostron, Sydney State Radio Operator Helen Zielke and Youth Scholarship finalist Rachael de Courcy from Terrigal.
Commissioner Barrell acknowledged them all, as well as Rotary’s ongoing role in highlighting the essential work of emergency services across the state.
“It’s fantastic that Rotary continues to acknowledge emergency service workers and Marine Rescue NSW through RESCA,” he said.
“Our volunteers and staff work tirelessly to support local boaters and their local community, which gives these communities real faith and trust in our organisation.”
