THE new decade got off to a frightening start for one group of boaties, who were rescued from the bay after their vessel began taking on water on Wednesday night.
Water police, Redland Bay Coast Guard and ambulance officers came to the aid of five people - including a young child - when the family called for assistance about 7.30pm.
Deputy flotilla commander David Bell said Coast Guard had been called when the boat's engine stopped working. A short time later, it began taking on water.
"(The family) were concerned for the safety of the baby," he said.
The skipper found a nearby sand bank and managed to run the boat aground.
"We went out and found the boat within a few minutes," Mr Bell said.
He said a ferry travelling between the mainland and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands had helped by shining a spotlight on the boat.
"Because they were on a sand bank they were a bit hard to get to," Mr Bell said.
"We got our Coast Guard boat within about 30 metres and managed to get all the occupants safely off the boat."
Water was pumped from the boat and it was towed back into Weinam Creek.
An ambulance spokesperson said there had been no significant injuries.
Mr Bell praised the skipper for remaining calm.
"At night that would be a pretty scary, intense moment and to have that presence of mind during that situation is great," he said.
He urged boaties to think about what they would do in emergency situations before heading out onto the water.
"The big thing is people making sure they have all the safety gear they need," he said.
"Don't hesitate to call Triple Zero - don't wait until it's too late."
It came after a busy New Year's Eve for the Redland Bay Coast Guard, when crews came to the aid of people on two boats stranded in the bay.
