Second lifesaving helicopter to watch over Victorian swimmers this summer
Lifesaving services have received a major boost amid a spate of drowning tragedies.
Victoria
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A second lifesaving helicopter is taking to the air to watch over beachgoers this summer.
The Airbus helicopter — called Lifesaver 31 — will provide lifestream footage and data on how many people are at the beach.
It joins the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service’s existing twin-engine Airbus H135 P2+ aircraft, which boasts winch capability.
The air power is a major boost to lifesaving services amid a spate of drowning tragedies.
Statewide, 31 people have died since July — a record — with authorities on red alert over the holiday period.
Life Saving Victoria general manager of lifesaving services Liam Krige told the Sunday Herald Sun: “Lifesaver 31, our Airbus EC120 helicopter, will provide lifestream footage and beach population data thanks to specialised surveillance software and cameras on-board.”
“This will assist Life Saving Victoria in keeping the public safe around water across the state.”
Beach lifesavers and lifeguards are going all out to save lives over the Boxing Day long weekend.
Data shows the risk of drowning is 68 per cent higher on public holidays.
Of the drowning incidents that occurred over previous Christmas and Boxing Day periods, half were men aged 25 to 44.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, based at Moorabbin and Barwon Heads airports, will provide lifesaving patrols from the sky all through the busy New Year period.
The volunteer crew on-board are highly trained and accomplished lifesavers from varied backgrounds including paramedicine, geospatial mapping for Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police as well as medical students.
Each, as essential workers, trained through the winter months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There have already been tragic drownings this summer as a sad reminder of the need to play it safe by the water, especially as Victorians have had fewer experiences around water this year during lockdown restrictions,” Mr Krige said.
“We’re pleased to have this additional resource available in the sky to further our drowning-prevention mission,” he said.
Volunteer lifesavers patrol 57 beaches statewide, while Life Saving Victoria has introduced a drone service for coastal surveillance, as well as posting lifeguards at high-risk locations and operating jet ski patrols.
There are also marine search and rescue teams based at Portland and Waratah.
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Originally published as Second lifesaving helicopter to watch over Victorian swimmers this summer
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