BeachesAviation

Adelaide lifesavers get drones from 2018-19 to watch for sharks and other threatening beach water conditions

Adelaide lifesavers get drones from 2018-19 to watch for sharks and other threatening beach water conditions
Drones allow Adelaide surf lifesavers to see changing beach water conditions, such as troughs, channels and rips forming.

Drones technology added an extra layer of safety – from water conditions and sharks –  to South Australian beaches from the 2018-19 summer. The drones are monitored by qualified lifesavers who assess the risks and hazards and communicate with Surf Life Saving South Australia headquarters. T

he drones’ capability dovetails with safety patrols by the fixed winged planes and helicopters assets as well as jet rescue boats, jet kkis and beach patrols.

eThe drones allow surf life savers to determine threats to swimmers much quicker. They can also see changing beach water conditions, such as troughs, channels and rips forming. The drones were fitted with sirens to warn swimmers of potential danger.

Each drone on patrol had slightly different features to suit the specific conditions for the beach and region it was working in. Some metropolitan beaches were in the Adelaide Airport commercial aviation flight path and worked within Civil Aviation Safety Authority restrictions.

 

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