A NEW crew has taken to the water at the Coast Guard Safety Beach – and for the first time in history, it’s made up entirely of women. The team, which includes Sara Dailey, skipper Nadine Huels, Michelle Ellicott, and Georgina Wakim are fully trained and are now ready to carry out patrols, assist in rescues, and respond to emergencies on the bay.
The crew, all of whom are volunteers, will operate on a rotating roster including weekends, showing what’s possible with some dedication and teamwork. Ellicott, a mum of three, joined the Coast Guard two years ago after a lifelong love affair with the water and a desire to give back to the community while balancing her full-time job.
“I was looking for something that was just for me outside of family and work commitments,” the 45-year-old said. “I’ve always loved the water, so joining the Coast Guard felt like the perfect way to not only give back to the community but also connect with people who share similar interests.”
She added it was a special moment to be part of something historic and hoped it would inspire more women to be apart of the service. “It’s awesome, and I’m quite passionate about women doing male-dominated roles,” Ellicott said.
The Coast Guard Safety Beach now has six female volunteers after a recruitment drive this year aimed to get more women out on the water. The all-women crew milestone was achieved in late September with the volunteers joining the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad for a training exercise ahead of the busy summer period.
Ellicott encouraged other women to consider volunteering even if they had little to no experience in maritime services. “It’s really easy to get involved,” she said. “The time commitment is very manageable. It’s just two four-hour shifts a month plus one monthly meeting so it fits even into the busiest schedule,” she said, adding crew members can choose their availability.
“All training is provided; I had absolutely no experience before joining. And there’s three streams to choose from including boat, crew, and admin or support roles, so there’s really a place for everybody.
“It’s very rewarding, both personally and socially.”
Coast Guard Safety Beach flotilla commander Bill Patterson said, “We are immensely proud of the ladies and hope it’s just the start for bigger and better opportunities for our members”.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 October 2025
