Rescue Helicopter Returns To The Beach Patrols

Media Statement

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is to return to patrol and rescue duties along Auckland’s West Coast beaches this weekend.

After several years absence the rescue helicopter will tomorrow do the first patrol of a new summer service from Bethels Beach, Muriwai to Sunset Beach, Port Waikato.

“The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and Surf Life Saving Northern Region Inc have formed a strategic alliance that will see them working closely together and utilising each others expertise and communications this summer,” said Rea Wikaira CEO of ARHT.

“Northern District surf life guards will join ARHT crews for patrol, rescue and training duties,” he said.

It is great to see the two organisations working together again, said Robert Barnes CEO of SLSNR. “In fact we got off to prompt start yesterday morning in a real live rescue off Piha, where local lifeguards assisted the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew airlift an injured crewman off a fishing boat,” he said.

Both ARHT and the SLSNR are predicting record crowds at the beaches this summer, and believe the reinstated rescue helicopter patrols will greatly enhance the ability of Northern District surf life guards to keep the public safe.

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