Life saving helicopter to be stationed in Barwon Heads full-time

SURF Life Saving Victoria will position one of two rescue helicopters at Barwon Heads Airport following a record number of drowning fatalities over a six-month period.

After announcing the worst six months on record between July to December, Surf Life Saving Victoria is determined to create a safer 2021 throughout the state’s waterways.

In the six-month period ending in December 2020, Victoria recorded 35 drownings, exceeding 2019’s annual tally of 34 lives lost.

Under the partnership between Westpac and the Victorian Government, a second helicopter will begin to circulate the Victorian coastline giving greater access to life saving resources.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville said “in a critical situation – seconds matter”.

“We want all visitors to the Bellarine Peninsula to be safe this summer and this new helicopter service will help to ensure our life savers have the resources they need to keep people safe along our iconic coastline,” she said.

“The extra helicopter will provide vital information to life savers on the ground and in the water, so they can respond to the situation quickly.”

LSV General Manager of Lifesaving Services Liam Krige said the extra support would help keep the public safer this new year.

“We are pleased to have this additional resource available in the sky to further our drowning prevention mission,” he said.

The introduction of Lifesaver 31 this summer allows the original helicopter, Lifesaver 30 to maintain its position on the Bellarine across the peak summer period.

“From Boxing Day to Australia Day, Lifesaver 30 is stationed full-time at Barwon Heads Airport for easy access to coastal locations while Lifesaver 31 is stationed at Moorabbin Airport to cover Melbourne’s busy beaches,” he said.

“Both helicopters are used statewide and are not region specific, with the two locations chosen for the best access to Victoria in its entirety.”

LSV has been utilising the Barwon Heads Airport since 2009, accessing a highly trained team of volunteers working on a rostering system to ensure an immediate response to emergencies.

“The Lifesaving operations team works closely with patrols as well as the Rescue Coordination centre (RCC) to deploy the helicopter when needed,” Mr Krige said.

Late last year, extra funding was announced by the State Government to pay for additional lifeguards, greater drone capacity, more jet skis and an extra helicopter to patrol more areas.

“We have provided $1.7m in additional funding to ensure our life savers can keep Victorians safe this summer and it’s great to see that extra investment being put to good use on the popular and Surf Coast beaches,” Ms Neville said.

“I want to thank our life saving staff and volunteers across the Bellarine for their selfless contribution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone visiting our beaches this summer.”