Welcome
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter provides search and rescue services to the people of the Greater Sydney Region.
Since the Service began in Sydney in 1973, it has carried out more than 21,000 missions ranging from urgent patient transfers to dangerous search and rescue missions.
The Greater Sydney Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is based at La Perouse in the Botany Bay National Park and has trained professional pilots and crew on call seven days a week, ready to respond to any search or rescue mission.
Situated less than 200 metres from the coast, the Helicopter has extremely quick access to the coastal waters and cliffs providing the most responsive service to the community of Greater Sydney. The Service can reach either the Royal National Park or Sydney Harbour within 6 minutes.
Despite delivering this vital community service, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is a not-for-profit organisation. It is a free Service with the sole mission of saving lives.
The Service depends entirely on the generous support of sponsors and the community to stay flying.
Please support your community helicopter …watching over you.
Angel of the Skies runner up for Pride of Australia Medal
Tara Johnson from the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Crew, Greater Sydney has been named runner up for the Emergency Services award, as part of the annual Pride of Australia Awards 2009- celebrating Australia’s unsung heroes. Tara was present at the NSW award ceremony held at Dolton House, on Tuesday 30 June 2009 where she learnt of her success. Tara was delighted to have been nominated saying "It is fantastic to be recognised and I hope that my nomination will encourage others to volunteer in their local communities" For the first time, this year prideofaustralia™ will also be celebrated on television with a series of four one-hour documentary specials to air on FOXTEL’s Bio. Channel.
Rock Fisherman Rescued
Above - the crew who conducted the rescue, from left to right Rescue Crewman Stewart Bailey, Crew Chief Tony Wood, Mr Dinh Tran and friend and Pilot Tom Booth
Mr Dinh Tran and two friends were fishing at Avoca on Tuesday 2 June 2009. They set out looking to catch the fish of a lifetime, when tragedy struck. Dinh was swept into the ocean by a rogue wave.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service was tasked to Avoca. On arrival the crew conducted a water rescue winch and plucked Dinh from rough seas.
In the past several months this type of incident has ended in heartache for the families of these rock fisherman.
However, Dinh was extremely prepared for his outing. He had taken on board all the warnings about the dangers of rock fishing and was correctly attired. He was wearing:
- rock fishing cleats
- helmet
- high visibility vest
- but most importantly he was wearing a Life Jacket!
Due to these essential pieces of equipment he was able to go home at night and be with his wife and three sons.
Dinh is to be congratulated on his diligence when participating in the sport of Rock Fishing.
Crew Chief Tony Wood says "if only more people were as meticulous in their approach to rock fishing, then my crew would be celebrating the fact that they had saved more lives as opposed to morning the loss of yet another life"
Keith Loutit Tilt Shift Video
This was a personal project that would not have been possible without the support of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service. Thanks to the entire team for their generous access during training exercises and patrols this Summer. Since the Service began in 1973, it has carried out more than 21,000 missions ranging from urgent patient transfers to dangerous search and rescue missions.
The time-lapse flight sequences in this film would not be possible without the skill and patience of Chief Pilot Peter Yates. Thanks also to Trevor Cracknell (for getting wet!) and Family.
Music:
“CLEMENTINE” (Megan Washington)
Performed by Washington
© 2008 J Albert & Son Pty Limited
Used with permission
Artist Info @ keithloutit.com
Thank you,
Keith.
Rock Fishing Tips
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter responds to many rock fishing incidents, and unfortunately rock fishing related fatalities, along the NSW coastline.
Crew Chief Tony Wood has issued these very helpful tips to ensure your safety while rock fishing.
- Never fish by yourself – stay in sight of another person fishing
- Inform others of your plans and carry a mobile phone.
- Wear light clothing – it will allow you to swim easily if you are washed in
- Check tides and weather – avoid fishing in dangerous conditions and observe tide changes.
- Wear appropriate footwear – with non-slip soles – and avoid the waters edge.
- Wear a life jacket or PFD and carry safety equipment in case someone should fall in.
- Observe first – fish later – spend time watching the fishing spot before actually fishing
- Plan an escape route – if washed in, stay calm and swim AWAY from the rocks to look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help
- Don’t ever turn your back on the sea
- Ask advice from locals
IF YOU WITNESS SOMEONE BEING WASHED INTO THE OCEAN, follow the simple steps:
- DO NOT jump in if someone is washed into the water
- Use a rope, Angel Ring close by, something that floats to rescue the person
- Dial 000, or 112, from your mobile or go get help
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROCK FISHING SAFETY, INCLUDING TRANSLATED MATERIAL, MORE FACT SHEETS AND FREE DOWNLOADS VISIT: www.rfansw.com.au or www.safewaters.nsw.gov
'Gone Fishing
'Gone Fishing
Dozens of fishers are swept from the coastal rocks off Sydney by big waves every year. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, sick of retrieving dead bodies, say many of these fatalities could be prevented if rock fishers wore life preservers.
Art Union - Win a Subaru!!
Tickets can be purchased from selected Westpac branches or by contacting Nicola Robinson, Partnership Manager at the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service either by phone on 02 9311 3499 or email nrobinson@lifesaver.org.au
Ticket Prices: $10 each or three for $25
Click on the following link to view the Art Union Terms and Conditions Art Union Terms and Conditions
Last updated July 3, 2009
