Rescue helicopter services expanded over summer

Victorian beachgoers will be safer than ever this summer, thanks to a major upgrade to Life Saving Victoria’s rescue helicopter. The highly-trained rescue crew performed a training drill last week, and the Sunday Herald Sun went along for the ride.

Victoria’s lifesaving helicopter will be able to winch people to safety beyond the coast this summer as the rapid-response service goes further than ever.

The chopper — which had been restricted to rescues within about 300m of shore — has been fitted with a hi-tech winch, which dramatically expands its capability.

It can be called upon for retrievals anywhere in the state.

Victoria’s lifesaving helicopter service has been given a boost. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service. Pilot Adam Lantz prepares for takeoff. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Crew member Wayne Cartwright prepares the winch during flight. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Alex Schwarcz raises his hand as Liam O'Callaghan approaches on the winch. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Life Saving Victoria lifesaving support officer Liam O’Callaghan, among a dozen volunteers specially trained to work on the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, told the Sunday Herald Sun: “It’s great for us to improve the service we can offer the Victorian community.

“This gives us a more well-rounded platform to back up emergency services around the state.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new service over water and over land. We can offer that rescue component in more locations and more areas.”

The Lifesaver 30 aircraft — based at Moorabbin and Barwon Heads airports — will also be responsible for duties including shark spotting, checking on beachgoers and searches.

It has about half a dozen pilots, while the volunteer crew — all trained lifesavers — includes police officers, trainee paramedics, university students, a spatial mapping expert and even an accountant.

Liam O'Callaghan is winched out of the water while rescuing Alex Schwarcz. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The new winch dramatically increases the crew’s ability to rescue those in need. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Liam O'Callaghan winches Alex Schwarcz from the water. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Sunday Herald Sun photographer Jake Nowakowski accompanied the team during a rigorous training session along the Surf Coast on Thursday.

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“Our crew has gone through the training, the helicopter is all ready to go and we’re looking forward to offering that service to the Victorian community,’’ Mr O’Callaghan said.

The service started on December 1 with operations daily after Christmas.

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