Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS)

“Become a member of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service and join the team of dedicated volunteers from Life Saving Victoria”

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service typically patrols Victoria’s busy coastline between Wilson’s Prom and Apollo Bay as well as providing valuable back-up support for other state emergencies and search and rescue (SAR) operations across the whole of Victoria. The service is available year round to assist in any emergency.

Funded by the generous support of Westpac, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter in Victoria are equipped to assist in incidents such as shark patrols, beacon location (EPIRB homing), winch rescues, SAR of lost swimmers, missing boats and fishermen in distress, as well as providing support in inland emergencies.

+ How To Be Involved

  • The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is proudly crewed by volunteer lifesavers from Victorian Lifesaving Clubs.
  • Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Crew recruitments are run on an as needs basis, and so are not necessarily run annually.
  • On some occasions there can even be over 2-3 years between intakes. Opportunities to join the WLRHS are advertised via the LSV Circulars as per previous recruitments

+ Pre-requisites

  • Be a minimum 19 years of age
  • Have a maximum body weight of 90kg
  • Be a current financial and proficient member of a Life Saving Victoria affiliated Life Saving Club or Service.
  • Have completed a minimum of three (3) years active beach patrol in Victoria
  • Have an excellent record of patrol attendance
  • Have excellent teamwork skills
  • Current Driver’s License
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • Gain endorsement from Club President, Secretary or Club Captain
  • Be willing to undertake drug and alcohol testing at commencement of training and each rostered patrol
  • Attend and pass the helicopter crew fitness tests
  • Be proficient in the minimum awards as outlined below
    • Bronze Medallion
    • Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
    • First Aid
    • Demonstrated IRB & RWC experience and previous participation at Advanced Lifesaving Camp are not mandatory but are well-regarded skillsets for crew members.

+ Helicopter Crew Fitness Test

The fitness test criteria are continually being reassessed in light of the evolving nature of the service. The tests are additional to those normally associated with lifesaving activities. They have and will continue to be designed to ensure that all crew can demonstrate the physical endurance and strength required to safely and efficiently carry out Helicopter crew duties.

  • 400m swim within a time limit of no more than seven (7) minutes and thirty (30) seconds
  • 1.6km run within a time limit of no more than seven (7) minutes
  • Departure off an elevated platform (being comfortable at heights)
  • 5 x wide grip pull ups
  • 15 Push Ups
  • One Person Patient Drag on land
  • 300m 80kg rescue training dummy tow in pool
  • Retrieve object from pool depth of 5m
  • Complete the mission: 400m swim, 800m run, 400m rescue board paddle, 800m run in succession in under 25min