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Story: Lifesaving and surfing

Helicopter rescue

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Helicopter rescue

The use of helicopters to rescue swimmers dates back to 1970, when a service was established in Auckland. Now the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Auckland, like those elsewhere, responds to a wide range of medical emergencies and accidents, including surf rescue.

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Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Lifesaving and surfing – Surf lifesaving today, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/7366/helicopter-rescue (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.