An upgraded Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter makes its debut in Moruya

Moruya has been home base for the iconic red and yellow chopper since 2010 and the aircraft services a huge South Coast region from the Victorian border to Jervis Bay and inland to Mount Kosciuszko.

The aircraft was recently kitted out with state of the art technology, enhanced communications and new avionics in a $5 million refurbishment.

Surf Life Saving Australia general manager coastal safety Shane Daw said he was excited about the capabilities of the upgraded Lifesaver 23.

"We work closely with the police, the ambulance service and the SES, so this helicopter is an essential part of this community," he said.

"It's about being there for the community to ensure lives are protected where possible."

The upgraded helicopter has already been called out for duty, including to a false alarm triggered by a discarded EPIRB at Surf Beach tip.

In 2020, Westpac Lifesaver 23 performed more than 50 missions, and in the recent summer season it was sent to 65 missions.

These ranged from rescues of swimmers, rock fisherman, and boat and craft users, to conducting search and rescue missions for missing persons along the coast and in bushland.

Helicopter crews also provided assistance during the 2019/20 fires and recent floods.

READ MORE: See who's nominated in this year's Far South Coast lifesaving awards

Surf NSW Far South Coast branch director of life saving Cheryl McCarthy said it was essential for surf life saving to have access to support from the sky.

"We have such a large area to cover and so much of it is remote, so having the ability to have these guys in the air there working with us is really critical," she said.

"Every time you get a new piece of equipment which has some new tools in it to increase your capability is fantastic, because every little bit that helps you do your job more efficiently or safely is a great advantage."

READ MORE: Farewell to old Batemans Bay bridge

The helicopter service is sponsored by Westpac bank and the state government provides funding support, but Mr Daw said the service also heavily relied on community support.

"Every time we go out, it's going to cost around $5000 to $6000 per hour so community donations help keep this aircraft down here in Moruya and keep it flying," he said.

"But the key fact is that no one who's ever been rescued or assisted by the Westpac Lifesaver 23 has ever had to pay for that service. We provide it free to the community."