The lifesaver rescue helicopter is operating daily patrols over the school holidays.
Camera IconThe lifesaver rescue helicopter is operating daily patrols over the school holidays. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rescue helicopter on daily holiday patrols from Yanchep to Mandurah

Kate LeaverStirling Times

The South-West lifesaver rescue helicopter is operating over the school holidays, patrolling daily from Yanchep to Mandurah and Rottnest.

It will then move to weekend patrols until the end of November, when daily patrols will run until February 1.

Premier Colin Barnett said patrols last year along the metropolitan and South-West coasts covered 93,000 kilometres and spotted 349 sharks.

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“Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) has long played a crucial role in protecting people on WA beaches and it is timely that the patrols move to seven days a week with so many children enjoying the warmer weather during these school holidays,” Mr Barnett said.

The helicopter is equipped to respond to emergencies, including rescues, and also support other emergency services, such as police.

Mr Barnett said lookout towers enabled lifesavers to monitor for sharks, swimmers in distress and other hazards such as rips and dumping swells.

The return of daily beach patrols is a timely reminder that the Beachsafe app, launched 12 months ago, is an important source of information about the WA coastline.

The app and website provide details of 3494 WA beaches, including shark sightings and hazards.

Visit here for more information on the app