Life Saver return to the South Coast

The Westpac Life Saver Helicopter will return to the South Coast from 1 December 2011, based at Moruya Airport.

The Westpac Life Saver completed its first summer in February this year. The helicopter and its crew were based at Moruya Airport between December and February, responding to calls for assistance from Shoalhaven to the Victorian border.

Sixty-seven (67) missions were flown, numerous surf patrols were conducted along the NSW south coast, assisting surf lifesavers and lifeguards with their operations.

Calls for assistance came from the Rescue Coordination Centre at Australian Search and Rescue in Canberra (AusSAR), the Surf Life Saving State Operations Centre, NSW Police and the State Emergency Service.

The Westpac Life Saver took part in rescue missions right throughout the region, including searches for missing swimmers and surfers, tracking distress beacons and identifying several locations where sharks have been close to swimmers.

The Westpac Life Saver was also sent to Wagga Wagga in early December to assist the State Emergency Service with flood relief and rescue efforts.

We look forward to our return and serving the community.