Students at Waverley Christian College in Narre Warren South learnt how to stay safe in Victorian waterways on Thursday 8 December, while meeting the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service crew who patrol our coastline.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, operated by Life Saving Victoria (LSV), provides a vital, free community service to Victorians each year.
Last season, the service carried out 142 rescue missions and flew over 1800 hours including beach patrols.
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service chief crew member Wayne Cartwright said the chance to bring the service to schools was a great opportunity to share critical water safety tips leading up to school holidays.
“As we approach the summer months, we know many students will be out and about enjoying our waterways, so it’s an important time to remind young Victorians to always swim between the red and yellow flags and remind parents about the importance of active supervision,” Mr Cartwright said.
“Students also learnt about how to check the beachsafe app and website to find patrolled locations near them, as well as how to identify and avoid dangerous conditions such as rips, currents, or poor weather – skills that can help keep them safe when it matters most.”
Westpac regional general manager, Scott Whitford, said Westpac has proudly supported the service in Victoria for more than 13 years.
“Students got the chance to hear first-hand from the crew who dedicate their time to helping the community, as well as learn important safety tips so they’re better prepared if faced with an emergency.
“The session was great fun and offered an interactive experience where students were able to watch the helicopter fly in and land at their school, along with the chance to ask the crew and pilot questions about flying, rescues and patrols.”
Waverley Christian College deputy head of primary, Mrs Sarah Michael, said the program was a great way to help students learn about water safety.
“It was not only a very exciting experience for the primary students, but such an important reminder about water safety before the end of the school year, so they can enjoy time on the beach or in a pool over their summer break,” she said.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service patrol is in full service until April but supports emergency agencies for year-round search and rescue services, meaning no Victorian has ever had to pay to be rescued.
The visit was part of LSV Water Safety Month, which sees LSV and Play It Safe By the Water partner agencies prioritise sharing water safety messages across all of December, with Westpac’s visit aiming to remind parents to always keep a close eye on their children in, on and around water.
Since 1 July 2022, there have been 15 drowning fatalities in Victoria; 15 per cent of these drownings occurred in coastal waterways.
