The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter team has been conducting essential training exercises over water today, with plans to continue on Tuesday.

The training took place at Pilot Bay and Wairoa River, focusing on winching techniques to safely rescue patients in challenging environments.

Base Manager and pilot, Liam Brettkelly, explained that the crew was working near the Tauranga Harbour entrance, collaborating with the Port of Tauranga’s tugs.

“We were performing deck winch training with the tugs,” Brettkelly said.

Flightradar24 screen showing the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter undertaking training near the Tauranga Harbour entrance on Monday March 3, 2025. Image/Flightradar24/Dave Greig.

Residents reported seeing the helicopter hovering near the port around 5 pm, lowering a person onto a tugboat and then retrieving them, before continuing to fly low over Pilot Bay.

“We winched our medic onto the pilot boat where they can attend to a patient before lifting them back off.

“It’s all part of the practice and training, and after that, the helicopter returned to base.”

A Port of Tauranga spokesperson confirmed the exercise, describing it as a joint training session with the rescue helicopter and tugs.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter captured by the Mount Wharf North Webcam while undertaking deck winch training with Port of Tauranga Tug on Monday, March 3, 2025. Photo/Supplied/Dave Greig.

Following the session at Pilot Bay, the team moved to the Wairoa River, located between Bethlehem and Te Puna, to practise water rescue procedures.

“In the Wairoa River, we winched a medic into the water to secure a survivor in a harness before lifting both the medic and the patient out,” Brettkelly said.

This exercise wrapped up around 7 pm.

The training will continue tomorrow, with further sessions scheduled between Pilot Bay and the Tauranga Harbour entrance, followed by another round at Wairoa River.

Flightradar24 screen showing the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter returning to base at Tauranga Hospital after undertaking training near the Tauranga Harbour entrance on Monday March 3, 2025. Image/Flightradar24/Dave Greig.

The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter recently achieved a record-breaking 66 life-saving missions in January, the highest number of missions ever completed in a single month within the coastal Bay of Plenty region.

These missions included 31 inter-hospital transfers, seven medical events, 16 rural or farm incidents, three motor vehicle accidents, and nine miscellaneous operations.

Being highly trained to meet all types of situations whether on land or over water means the rescue helicopter and its crew can provide the best care as quickly as possible.

The community is encouraged to support the rescue team by donating towards critical life-saving equipment: https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/aerocool-rescue-helicopter/donate