The UAVs will provide an extra set of eyes for greater coverage of dangers along the coast and a faster response to incidents at key blackspot locations.
Fitted with alerting devices and the ability to drop an inflatable rescue pod to distressed swimmers, the drones will become a vital part of the arsenal of surf lifesavers this season.
The program will be funded through the $16 million NSW Government Shark Management Strategy after a successful trial last summer on the north coast. Not only will it be used for shark spotting, but new alert devices fitted to the UAVs can be used to help evacuate swimmers from the water if required. Additionally, the technological advancements in the cameras and vision resolution will assist with shark species identification and research into the behaviour of marine life.
UAV Locations
Region One
- Kingscliff
- Main Beach Byron Bay
- The Pass
- Suffolk Park
- Lennox Head
- Sharpes Beach
- Lighthouse/Shelley Beach Ballina
- Evans Head
Region Two
- Yamba
- Coffs Coast
Region Three
- Tacking Point
Region Four
- Birubi
SMP
- Redhead
- Avoca
Region Five
- Kiama
- Mollymook
Region Six
- Pambula
- Tathra
Becoming a UAV Pilot
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from Surf Life Saving members to fly UAVs across 18 beach locations each weekend between November and April. Please contact drones@surflifesaving.com.au for more information.
Available Documents
file download
