Rescue swimmer Alex Schwarcz shows Year 1 student Vaida the equipment used to lift people from the water.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
With a whirr of rotors, a flurry of little legs, and a whole lot of excitement, students from St Mary’s and 208 began their Thursday with a water safety lesson they’ll never forget.
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As the school day began for students at Echuca Primary, so did the fun, with the roar of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter building as they made their way to the school’s oval.
The little cheers were almost drowned out by the high-pitched whine of the engine as the chopper touched down and the Life Saving Victoria crew leapt out ready to deliver a lesson equal parts valuable and unforgettable.
Students were given an interactive demonstration of the crew’s equipment, a taste of what working in a rescue chopper is like, and tips on how to look after themselves while enjoying a dip in the summer holidays.
The Riv was there.
Year 1s Kye, Lola, Evie, Daisy, pose in front of the helicopter with rescue swimmer Alex Schwarcz, crew member Wayne Cartwright, pilot Pete Nelson.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Wayne Cartright had the crowd hanging off his every word.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Alex Schwarcz demonstrates some of the team’s rescue gear with the help of Year 1 student Ari.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Alex Schwarcz gives Vaida a taste of what dangling from a helicopter after being rescued feels like.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Wayne Cartwright chats to Year 1s Sonny and Mack as they toured the helicopter.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Westpac bank manager Kathy Hywood, Alex Schwarcz, Wayne Cartright, Pete Nelson and Westpac personal banker Hyrum Curtis pose with Year 1 students Kye, Evie, Daisy, and Lola.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Alex Schwarcz Wayne Cartwright
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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