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Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has announced that the State Government has allocated an extra $206,000 to the Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter to enable aerial shark patrols to continue along Perth's beaches this summer.

The extra funding will enable SLSWA to patrol every day of the week, dependent on weather conditions, to alert Surf Life Saving volunteers to any potential danger.

The service would operate for an average of three hours a day, every day from 14th December until the end of February next year, covering the area between Mandurah and Yanchep.

Premier Barnett explained that "it is important that the community feels safe while swimming and enjoying our beaches, especially during the school holiday period where traditionally high temperatures attract thousands of families to the coast.

"The service provides peace of mind for our beachgoers, however, it is vital that parents continue to be vigilant when their children are in the water and all beachgoers should take heed of all warnings posted by lifeguards.

"The aerial patrols are an excellent part of SLSWAâs service, but this should not diminish the importance of swimming between the flags in patrolled areas."

Surf Life Saving Western Australia President Mark Irwin, was delighted with the funding partnership between SLSWA and the Western Australian Government.

Irwin stated "SLSWA values the partnership it has with the State Government in helping to keep users of our coastline safe. The funds provided to the SLSWA Helicopter Rescue Service is a positive example of how governments and community organisations can develop effective partnerships.

"After a successful first year of operation, SLS looks forward to continuing the patrols and prevention activity with the helicopter service, where hazards and incidents such as rips, sharks, search and rescue and other medical emergencies can be promptly managed.

"In the first year of operation, 23 sharks were directly sighted by the helicopter when patrolling and it also completed a further 22 searches for sharks where sightings came from members of the public.

"The helicopter provides us with an excellent surveillance and intelligence gathering platform, crewed by trained rescue and emergency care lifesavers, who through the function of a helicopter, can respond to a range of coastal emergencies and incidents."

Premier Barnett also thanked Westpac for its ongoing support of SLSWA and the contribution it made to this important service.

The announcement of extra funding is on top of the $114,000 already provided by the State Government for patrols each weekend and public holiday.

27th October 2009 - COTTESLOE PYLON RESTORED BUT DIVING ERA ENDS

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