In Western Australia, coastal and ocean drowning deaths are currently up 110 per cent compared to this time last year, with 21 fatalities.
So far this season, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter services in WA have conducted 654 patrols over 748 hours.
These are some of the facts Comet Bay Primary School students learnt when a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter crew landed at the school.
Surf Life Saving WA's Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service provides a vital free community service to West Australians each year, carrying out search and rescue missions, beach patrols and aerial surveillance, operating from its bases at Fremantle and Busselton.
Westpac Regional General Manager WA South Amy Hodgson said students heard first-hand from the crew who dedicate their lives to helping others in the community.
"In bringing the Westpac chopper to Comet Bay Primary School, the WA Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter crew will provide important safety tips and advice on how students can avoid getting into danger at local beaches and stay safe during an emergency," she said.
"The session is great fun and interactive, as students can watch the helicopter land at their school, then ask the crew and pilot specific questions about flying, rescues and beach patrols.
"They also see close-up, the state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment designed to help the crew deal with emergency situations."
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Timothy Gleeson has been a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter crew member for two seasons and admits it's very rewarding to work in a role to help keep West Australians safe at the beach.
"Delivering important water safety messages is what today is all about. The kids often have many questions for us and are thrilled to see the helicopter land and take off at their school," he said.
"It's great to be able to educate primary school children about how to stay safe when visiting the beach, what to do during an emergency and the important role of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and emergency services within the community."
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has been helping West Australians for the past 12 years.
The service is operational from September until April patrolling from Mandurah to Yanchep and east to Rottnest Island and between Bunbury and Hamelin Bay.
Students can also access the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Schools Program app, which provides engaging digital educational activities.
For more information visit: westpac.com.au/Rescue