A Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club member has joined the Westpac Life Saver helicopter’s South Coast team as the youngest ever rescue crew officer.  

Eighteen-year-old Samantha Law took on the tough job just after completing her Higher School Certificate at Carroll College last year, and is enjoying every second of her role. 

Despite several years as an active surf club member and countless first aid courses, Ms Law never really thought she could secure the role.

Since then she has been through “very intense training”.

 “I have had to do advanced first aid and senior first aid and a lot of other first aid courses and that has been a lot of work,” she said.

“There are a lot of courses regarding the helicopter, the winch system and rescue techniques as well so it is a lot to learn. 

“Normally they do a three to four week course to train you but I ended up doing the course in a week-and-a-half.”

Ms Law said it was daunting being the youngest person in the team.

“Sometimes you feel that you may not be up to the standard of everyone else but you are still doing the same training and the same job,” she said.

“They put a lot of confidence in you and a lot of training so you know if it doesn’t go to plan, you will be okay.”

Ms Law’s first rescue was on Saturday when the crew was called to evacuate a woman from tall ship The Endeavour, which was out at sea. 

“It was very interesting,” she said. 

“We didn’t know what to expect.

 “We flew out there and saw a massive tall ship and there was an older lady that needed to get off. I got winched in and was very concentrated in the moment.

“I thought, I have a job to do and I know exactly what I’m going to do.”

Ms Law said her first rescue was the highlight of her time in the job and described it as “really picturesque”.

“Watching back over the footage and seeing this massive old ship with the Sun setting over it was pretty special,” she said. 

“It is interesting; I never knew I would be here.” 

Originally wanting to be a helicopter pilot, Ms Law learnt her desired profession had the highest fail rate. 

“When this opened up, I took it,” she said.  

“I thought I don’t have to fly it; I can just jump out of it.”

Ms Law is studying engineering at the University of Wollongong this year, but will continue her job with the Life Saver helicopter on a casual basis.

Westpac Life Saver helicopter chief executive officer Stephen Leahy said he was proud to have her as part of the team. 

“She has an excellent background already in rescue work through her involvement with surf lifesaving,” he said. 

“She had no trouble completing the strenuous fitness and training program. Sam is fitting into the team very well and we’re sure she’ll have a long career with us.”

For more photos from Ms Law’s Endeavour rescue, visit www.batemansbaypost.com.au.