Settlers students given safety masterclass

Staff and students at Settlers Primary School were treated to a masterclass in safety as the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service landed on the school’s oval today.

Hundreds of students gathered at a safe distance to watch the chopper land, with the local Fremantle rescue crew met with a rousing reception once they landed.

The visit from the crew came after Settlers Primary School was selected from more than 4,600 schools across Australia to learn about local emergency services and the importance of safety.

Students heard about how to keep safe in a range of scenarios, from being in the bush, their backyard or at the beach.

A lucky handful had the opportunity to sit inside the helicopter and get familiar with the state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment.

Westpac Baldivis bank manager Brendan Pratten said helicopter service was essential to helping the community.

“From coastal surveillance, to search and rescue, and evacuation services, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is vital community service which is there to help when it matters,” he said.

“In bringing the service to Settlers Primary School we hope to educate our youngest Australians about how they can avoid getting into danger, stay safe in an emergency, as well as teach them vital safety tips and advice from the very people at the forefront of our emergency services.”

Since it first began serving the community in 1973, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service has completed over 80,000 missions across the country.