This is the first time the Emu Point-based squad has won the award which was presented in Perth recently.

“This award is recognition of the hard work and efforts of all members from radio operators to crew, support personnel co-coordinators and the many others involved in the Albany Sea Rescue Squad over the past years,” ASRS president Rob Jackman said.

“It is rightly deserved.”

The award was introduced four years ago to recognise the outstanding work of marine rescue groups in WA.

In 2008/9 the total number of man hours recorded by the Albany squad was 795, with 37 operations.

Rescue and standby accounted for 566 hours, training 171 and events 58.

Mr Jackman said squad members had faced some major rescue challenges over the past 12 months.

Included was that of stricken ocean racing yacht “Finistere” in March.

The yacht, which was about 140 kilometres east of Albany, had a problem with its keel, was out of fuel, could not sail and the weather was turning bad.

Despite huge swells and hazardous weather conditions, the ASRS brought the yacht safely alongside the town jetty about 24 hours after the initial alarm was raised.

Mr Jackman said the number of rescues and standbys in the Great Southern dropped 30 per cent this year.

“Although not known for certain, squad members would like to believe that the decrease could be attributed to log on / log off and safety messages getting through to boat owners,” he said.