Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters

16/10/2026

A big shout-out to the Westpac teams at Mount Druitt, Paramatta and Randwick, who got behind the Choppers last week with plenty of colour, energy and community spirit.

Their support forms part of Westpac’s Rescue Helicopter Month, running all October, helping raise awareness and funds for the Service and the lifesaving work our crews do every day.

Since 1973 we have been doing what we do best, save lives and bring people home safely. Even better we have had Westpac with us every step of the way - legends. 🚁

13/10/2026

Next course: Monday 26 October. Book today.

The HUET course teaches you the skills you need to escape a submerged helicopter.

Once you have the techniques, they can easily be adapted to whatever aircraft you are operating. Every time you, your colleagues or passengers get into an aircraft, you’ll consider your exits, your harnesses, your escape plan, and after-ditching actions.

That’s what we teach you and our simulators allow you to develop your practical skills.

Come and learn from the crew that saves lives everyday!

Accredited training in partnership with .

Proceeds go back into the service which helps to keep us flying!

For more check the Training Courses page at —> https://lifesaver.org.au

13/10/2026

Beacon a Lifesaver

On Tuesday 12 October the Moruya Lifesaver 23 crew were tasked by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - AMSA for a beacon alert approx. 25nm off the Bermagui coast (south coast NSW) general area.

The Lifesaver 23 crew responded and on arrival observed an orange sea dye marker area in the water and then the blue and white 5m fibreglass vessel overturned. The crew soon identified two persons. One in the water, wearing a PFD (lifejacket) and the second person on the hull of the overturned boat.

The crew quickly worked together to determine the best process to commence hoist operations to recover both persons from the water and the upturned boat without creating any further risk to both persons.

With pilot Natalee positioning the aircraft into position, aircrew John readied rescue crew Ned and provided final comms to Natalee as they positioned to hoist the first person. John, setting Ned down to secure the first person, checking there was no one else missing or any major injuries and letting them know what was about to happen and reassuring the second person he would be back shortly, to also bring him to safety.

With Natalee postioning the rescue helicopter, John then hoisted both Ned and the first person back into the aircraft, securing him before heading back down to secure his mate and then bring him back up from the water and sinking boat, to the safety of the aircraft.

Fortunately, both had no injuries other than being in a bit of shock and suffering mild hypothermia after being exposed for over 45 minutes. Some treatment for this commencing in the aircraft and also checking for any other injuries while in transit to Tathra football oval to waiting police and ambulance crews, where a handover was conducted.

A lucky day for these two and credit to both for having all the right equipment in case of an emergency – which on this case was required.

Heading out, remember to log on with Marine Rescue NSW and importantly check your boat, weather conditions, all your equipment and be prepared. While we hope you won’t need it, as these guys found out it is handy to have if you do.

02/10/2026

Great to see Jon, Trevor and Stewart recognised for 40 years service.

These three along with others just part of the history of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter that has saved thousands of lives.

Well done 👏.

https://youtu.be/PRS_34PkrnM?si=z5GezAKQ8OytarjK

Veteran members of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter are cele...

30/09/2026

This October we are celebrating Rescue Helicopter Month and are proud to mark our 53rd anniversary partnership with Westpac, a partner that has stood alongside us since day one.

To everyone at Westpac who continues to champion and celebrate the Service, thank you for helping keep us in the air and ready to respond.

29/09/2026

Search this morning at Bondi and Tamarama with Surf Life Saving NSW, lifeguards and Toll Helicopter.

After a complete search all stood down with no one reported missing.

With warm weather on the way a great reminder to play it safe on, in and around water. ⚠️

🛟 Help our surf lifesavers and lifeguards by swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.

👀 Watch children at all times on, in and around water

🦺 Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or on water craft

🌞 🌊 check weather and water conditions before heading out

For more safety tips and patrolled beaches check: https://beachsafe.org.au

Thanks Surf Life Saving Australia for the photos 📸.

28/09/2026

A legacy that began 53 years ago continues to make a difference today 🚁

Since 1973, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, Southern has grown to support communities across New South Wales, responding to more than 110,000 missions along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate the crews, engineers, staff, volunteers and supporters behind the service, along with NSW Government and the enduring partnership with Westpac, who has been with us since the beginning, that has helped keep us flying from day one. Allowing us to do what we do best, save lives and bring people home.

It takes a little Westpac. 💛

25/09/2026

Training and maintaining currency are critical to not only crew safety and that of the aircraft, but also ensure that when needed our crews can professionally and efficiently perform the tasks required of them.

In the heat of the moment crews need to work smoothly and seamlessly to minimise risk to themselves, other crew, the aircraft and those we are assisting.

Join us as we join one of our crew on their currency training.

Stay safe ⚠️.

24/09/2026

🔘 BODY LOCATED AFTER SEARCH FOR MISSING SWIMMER
- BEACH (SUTHERLAND LGA)

- Posted: 4:09pm, Thursday 24 September

A swimmer has died following a search and rescue operation in Sydney’s south today.

About 12.50pm (Thursday 24 September 2026), emergency services were called to Marley Beach, Marley, following reports that two swimmers were struggling in the water.

A multi-agency search operation commenced, with assistance from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, Marine Area Command, PolAir, Surf Life Saving Australia, the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

A 20-year-old man was pulled from the water after being washed back to shore by waves.

He was treated at the scene and winched out by the Toll Rescue Helicopter Service, before he was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.

A short time later, the body of a 50-year-old man was located in the water by officers attached to Marine Area Command.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

▪️View and be alerted to more incidents near you by downloading the NSW Incident Alerts App. Try for free today; https://apple.co/39Y5tW2

Image: Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters