8 March 2012

Helicopter makes waves at Aquatic Centre

Rotorua Aquatic Centre has had giant-sized inflatables, a 16m long waka, and even All Blacks in its pools but this weekend will be the first time the council-operated swimming facility has hosted a helicopter.

The Rotorua-based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter’s crew will put their skills to the test on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 March as they undergo Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) training.

They will experience a realistic overwater helicopter ditching in a brand new, purpose-built simulator. The exercise will improve the crew’s chances of surviving a helicopter ditching and water evacuation with minimal injury, and they will learn to effectively use life rafts and associated emergency equipment.

Rotorua District Council Aquatic & Leisure manager Louis Sylvester said the HUET training will be a first for Rotorua and he was excited about being in a position to assist the BayTrust team.

“We all hope we will never need the type of assistance the rescue helicopter crew provides but it’s reassuring to know they are there if we need them and we are happy to get right behind them, as we have done for the past 10 years.”

BayTrust Rescue Helicopter pilot Barry Vincent said Mr Sylvester and the Aquatic Centre team had provided “fantastic support” to the rescue helicopter crew over a long period.

“We’re really thankful for the opportunity to continue this relationship with hosting of the HUET course at the Aquatic Centre. It will give rescue staff and volunteers the chance to experience realistic water-based training in a safe and controlled environment.”

The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter service operates from Rotorua Hospital and has saved hundreds of lives throughout Rotorua, the surrounding Bay of Plenty region, and areas well beyond since it began in 1992. The rescue helicopter and its crew of pilots, paramedics and police carry out approximately 80 to 100 missions each year.

ENDS

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