Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) patrol services will kick up a gear with the Busselton based Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter moving to daily patrols as of Monday through until the 3 February 2019.
SLSWA General Manager Chris Peck said that with the warm weather seeing the return of people heading to the beach to cool off, and the summer holidays fast approaching, surf life saving’s resources including the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter were moving into top gear.
“With such a vast coastline and the limitations in resources meaning not all beaches, including many popular ones in the south west, can be attended by SLSWA lifesavers, local government or park rangers, this is where the value of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter services really becomes evident,” said Mr Peck.
“The helicopters ability to cover large areas in a relatively short period of time and to spot potential danger from marine life and conditions such as rips, makes them an extremely important surveillance tool for our lifesavers in keeping the community safe.
“It really is able to deliver a service that other resources cannot.”
SLSWA Lifeguard services, supported by the State Government, will also commence on Monday with patrols at Meelup and Bunker Bay beaches from Monday to Sunday through until the 3rd February 2019.
While all of these resources provide a level of assurance, SLSWA continues to urge beach goers to limit the risks by seeking out a patrolled beach where they can swim under the watchful eye of lifesavers and lifeguards, checking the SLSWA twitter feed for up to date warnings and hazards, and obeying the directions from authorities or beach signage.
“By observing these behaviours, we are hopeful that the season can pass without incident,” said Mr Peck.
To find when and where lifesavers are patrolling, visit mybeach.com.au/my-beach
Photo courtesy Sean Blocksidge, Margaret River Discovery Company
