Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Queensland
SAVING LIVES FOR OVER 48 YEARS
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service patrols the South East Queensland coast and carries out beach surveillance, shark warnings, preventative actions, missing person searches and rescues in the water and on the beach.
The service is also used for emergency response, searches and rescues, working in conjunction with emergency service organisations including the Queensland Police Service, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and Queensland Fire & Emergency Services.
Key roles performed include:
- Sea-based search and rescue, delivered through coastal surveillance patrols
- Land search and rescue
- Fire service support
- Winch rescues and Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) tasks
- Disaster response deployment when required
As with each of the 13 Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter bases across Australia, the Queensland services work out of the Carrara and Caloundra bases. This is a free service to our community. No one has ever been charged to be rescued.
our history
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is affectionately referred to as Surf Life Saving Queensland’s “eyes in the sky” and patrols the Queensland coastline from Rainbow Beach to Rainbow Bay.
The service is one of the oldest community-based helicopter rescue services in the world and has been treasured by Queenslanders since 1976.
become a sponsor
We are always looking for valued sponsors and partners to keep our vital services in the sky. If you would like to partner with us, chat to our team to discuss bespoke packages tailored to your needs!
How can you support us?
Help keep us flying.
It costs nearly $250,000 for one rotor blade and $250/hour in fuel every patrol. We need your help to keep the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service going.