Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has returned to the West Australian coastline, watching over beachgoers until April 2027.
Last season, between September 2025 and April 2026, the helicopters flew nearly 1,000 hours across 707 patrols over metropolitan and south-west beaches.
Surf Life Saving WA President, Heidi Gan OLY, said the helicopters played an essential role in delivering safe outcomes for beach users.
“While Western Australia is renowned for its extensive coastline and beautiful beaches, its vastness provides additional challenges for delivering lifesaving services and helping keep beach users safe,” said Ms Gan.
“Our helicopters can provide coverage to beaches where we cannot deliver on-beach patrols, including many locations in our south-west, and their ability to cover large areas of the coast quickly makes them a valuable asset in delivering safety outcomes.”
Last season, the service initiated more than 80 beach closures, warning more than 5,500 people out of the water due to an imminent threat, including the presence of sharks, and was involved in 60 search-and-rescue missions alongside WA Police and other marine emergency services.
“We want West Australians to be able to recreate and enjoy our magnificent coastline confidently, and we know this service helps them do that,” said Ms Gan.
Westpac State General Manager Larissa Shepherd said there is no doubt of the critical role the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service plays in protecting communities along the WA coastline.
“The significant number of patrols, shark sightings and beach clearances carried out last season highlights the important role the service plays in helping keep Western Australians safe.”
“Westpac is proud to support the service and the dedicated crews who work tirelessly to protect our coastal communities. We wish them a safe and successful season ahead.”
Based out of North Fremantle and Busselton, the helicopters will patrol through until 30th April 2027.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is proudly supported by the Government of Western Australia and partnered by Westpac.
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