Now in its third year, the Westpac Community Cup highlights the work volunteer organisations do for the community, and this year Surf Life Saving South Australia has been singled out for recognition.
Westpac has supported Surf Life Saving in Australia and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service for nearly four decades. It began in Sydney in 1973 with the sponsorship of the nation’s first civilian rescue helicopter and extends nationally with 15 helicopters saving lives across the country.
The 39-year partnership between Westpac and the volunteers of surf life saving plays a vital role in saving lives, with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service covering 84 per cent of Australia’s population during peak season.
“The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has saved thousands of lives in South Australia and continues to provide essential patrol, rescue and preventative measure strategies to beachgoers across the state’s coastline,” Surf Life Saving South Australia CEO Elaine Farmer said.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is also used as a vehicle to take education programs further into rural areas.
South Australia boasts more than 1700 beaches and 45 per cent of people rescued live more than 50km from the coast, so it is imperative that water safety programs and school visits continue to extend beyond metropolitan boundaries.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to provide a valuable free service to the South Australian community and it is reassuring no one has ever had to pay to be rescued by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service,” Westpac State General Manager Richard Hockney said.
Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo said the Crows were proud to support life savers.
“I visit the beach often and you feel safer when you see the red and yellow flags and surf lifesavers on standby ready for any emergencies,” he said.
Head to surfrescue.com.au to find out more about surf life saving.
Collingwood vice-captain Scott Pendlebury stands alongside the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
