Rescue crew test skills and put on show for tourists
BOXING Day on the beach just got a whole lot more fun with the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service (WLHRS) performing surf rescue demonstrations today.
Head down to Coolangatta Beach to watch the pilots and crews show of their skills from 10am.
Gold Coast Regional Manager Eddie Bennet said the demonstrations would give the general public a chance to see the expertise the crew as they rescue a surf lifesaver from the water.
"The WLHRS pilots and crew, some are volunteers, spend many hours training to ensure they are highly skilled in surf rescue," Mr Bennet said.
"These same rescue skills have also been used in disaster situations, such as the 2011 floods west of Ipswich and the 2012 floods earlier this year around Roma.
"The summer school holidays is one of our busiest times patrolling with many families taking advantage of our great weather and our WLHRS will be in the air helping to keep our beaches safe as well as conducting rescues when needed.
"If you are going to a beach, remember to swim between the red and yellow flags because if we can't see you, we can't save you."
The crew performed two staged rescues on December 22 and 23 on the Gold Coast.
