Westpac has today announced a new collaboration between two Aussie icons, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service and Budgy Smuggler. A new ‘Safe As’ swimwear range was launched today at another Aussie icon - Bondi Beach – on the first Friday of summer. The new limited-edition range is available for men, women, and kids, with all proceeds from every pair sold being donated to the local Services across the country. Annabel Fribence, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Westpac said, “We know every Aussie wants to look great on the beach this summer, and nothing looks as good as being safe feels. The new Budgy Smuggler range ticks both boxes by helping Aussies think about safety before heading into the water, and looking fantastic on the sand. And on top of that – every purchase helps keep the Choppers saving lives. “Westpac has been supporting the Service for more than 51 years. We’ve worked with the teams at Budgy Smuggler and the Service so Aussies can show their support by wearing this cheeky new range”, continued Ms Fribence. Shane Daw ESM, General Manager Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, Southern NSW said, “Summer is a time when we’re naturally around the water more. This also means that we need to be considering safety more, but unfortunately that still doesn’t stop many tragic incidents happening. In fact, 41% of all drowning deaths last year occurred during summer months. “That’s why we’re so pleased to be teaming up with Budgy Smuggler to launch this new range. Even a simple visual reminder like a piece of swimwear can help people stop and think about safety before they enter the water. And it helps that the range looks awesome too”, continued Mr Daw. Surf Life Saving Australia advises people heading to the water this summer:
- Always supervise children in, on, or around water
- Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
- Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
- Check the conditions, including weather forecasts
- Know your limits
- STOP, LOOK, STAY ALIVE.
The new ‘Safe As’ Budgy Smuggler range is available now at Westpac Choppers x Budgy Smuggler – Budgy Smuggler Australia. ENDS Notes to editors About the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) Nationally, the WLRHS incorporates Services in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Northern NSW and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Tasmania.
The Service was established by Surf Life Saving with just one helicopter in Sydney in 1973, and since then has evolved to see Services operating 15 aircraft and one rescue boat across 13 bases, with more than 300 personnel at the helm.
In the 51 years, the Services have performed more than 100,000 missions, of which no one has ever had to pay to be assisted or rescued.
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