New helicopter to rescue for swimmers

30.04.2010

SUNSHINE Coast swimmers will
have a dedicated rescue helicopter
service watching them for the first
time in 10 years.
The Westpac rescue helicopter
will safeguard some of the state's
most beautiful - and dangerous -
beaches from September 18.
A $2 million funding boost from
Westpac will launch extra services
across the country, coinciding with
a bid to slash drownings in half by
2020. During the past nine months,
52 people have drowned along the
Australian coast, with 11 people
dying on Queensland beaches - up
six when compared to last year.
The extra helicopter, one of two
Picture: Robyne Cuerel
Westpac choppers covering the
southeast, will be in the air for 250
hours a year and cover Bribie Island
to Rainbow Beach.
SLSQ lifesaving services manager
George Hill said the booming
population on the Sunshine Coast
would benefit from the new service.
Westpac Sunshine Coast regional
manager Jason New said
the expansion of services
would increase beach
safety.
"Westpac strongly believes
in backing grassroots
community work.
We're proud to stand by
surf lifesavers." he said.