Students at Concord School in Bundoora learnt how to stay safe around water , while meeting the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) crew who patrol waterways across the state.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service touched down at the school last week and was greeted by over 300 smiling faces. The visit coincided with World Helicopter Day on August 20.
The WLRHS, operated by Life Saving Victoria, plays a vital role in the state, providing a free community service carrying out search and rescue missions, aerial surveillance and beach patrols. Last season, the helicopter service was tasked to more than 89 incidents across Victoria.
Concord School acting principal Flora Nixon said the visit from the helicopter and its crew allowed students to develop a greater understanding of the role that lifesaving services play within the community.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see the benefits of volunteering, while learning how to stay safe in and around the water” she said.
Ms Nixon said 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.
“We want the students to not only be able to take away lessons that may one day save a life, but also to know where to look for help and recognise dangers in and around bodies of water,” she said.
Westpac regional general manager Nicole Kelly said the visit was a great opportunity for students to
hear first-hand from the crew who dedicate their lives to helping the community and learn important safety tips so they’re better prepared if faced with a water-based emergency.
“We know lots of students enjoy our waterways, so it’s an important time to remind young Victorians about keeping safe,” she said.
“They also got a close-up view of the service’s state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment that’s designed to help the crew in emergency situations, including the helicopter’s radio and navigation equipment and its two-person rescue winch.”
