DAILY helicopter flights from Nambucca Heads to Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie, will be looking for sharks throughout the school holidays.
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The aerial patrol is part of a comprehensive package being rolled out to keep people safe over the NSW school holidays, which start this weekend.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, said both helicopters and drones would be taking to the skies to keep an eye on beach-goers.
“For the first time, contractors are testing the use of a siren on a drone to alert swimmers and surfers if a shark is spotted nearby,” Mr Blair said.
“Drones and helicopters have proved a very successful measure in protecting beach-goers – last summer they spotted 571 dangerous sharks and assisted in saving two swimmers caught in a rip.
“We are committed to doing all we can to protect beach-goers and one of the best ways we can do this during the busy school holidays is through our eyes in the sky.”
From Saturday, the fifth drone trial will get underway with flights taking place every day until July 16 at Lennox Head, Ballina, Evans Head and Byron Bay (weather permitting).
Additional surveillance will also be carried out during the Skull Candy surfing event at Lennox Head.
Helicopter flights will be underway every day (weather permitting) of the school holidays from Point Danger, Tweed Heads to South Ballina, and well as further south down the coast between Wooli and South Sawtell, from Nambucca Heads to Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie and Crowdy Head to Birubi (Anna Bay).
Mr Blair said beach-goers should keep an eye out for these helicopters, which are clearly identified with SharkSmart signage.
“Beach-goers can stay up to date through the SharkSmart app and Twitter during the break to make sure they are aware of what is happening at their local beach,” Mr Blair said.
“The NSW Government’s Shark Management Strategy is a science-driven, innovative project delivering real results.”
- 35 SMART drumlines are also currently deployed between Ballina and Evans Head and complement a network of 20 VR4G listening stations, which provide real time shark alerts to beach-goers via Twitter and the App when a tagged shark swims within 500m.