The South Australian Government has announced the extension of aerial shark patrols along the state’s coastline due to continued warm weather and recent shark sightings in popular beach areas. Originally scheduled to wrap up at the end of the school holidays on April 27, the patrols will now continue until May 25. This move aims to enhance safety for beachgoers by maintaining surveillance from North Haven to Rapid Bay on weekends, as well as along the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula between Waitpinga Beach, east of Victor Harbor, and the Murray Mouth.
Minister for Emergency Services, Emily Bourke, said that extending these patrols is crucial for keeping the public safe during this period of increased beach activity. “Eyes in the sky are one way to protect beachgoers who are making the most of warmer conditions,” said Bourke.
The patrols use fixed-wing aircraft equipped with sirens to alert swimmers when a shark is sighted. The planes are visibly marked with ‘SHARK PATROL’ to ensure their presence is clear to all beachgoers. These aircraft are part of a broader shark surveillance program that includes a cooperation framework with SAPOL, PIRSA, and the SES, who have jointly assessed the risks prompting this extension.
Alongside the extension of the aerial patrols, the Malinauskas Government has committed to a $500,000 shark mitigation package designed to support coastal communities, particularly in remote and regional areas. This funding has facilitated several initiatives, including improved signage at beaches, deployment of trauma kits at key locations, expanded drone usage and training, and educational programs aimed at increasing shark awareness among school and community groups.
Further strengthening safety measures, the package has enabled the expansion of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service. This addition aims to provide enhanced coverage during community aquatic events from Robe to Whyalla, ensuring a safer environment for both event participants and general beachgoers.
SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie shared, “Following a risk assessment, and the well-publicised shark sightings at southern beaches recently, the Fixed Wing Shark Patrol will be extended by a further four weeks – on weekends only.” He also mentioned the operational protocol that when shark sightings present a risk to the public, information is directly communicated to SAPOL under the Shark Response Plan, who then manage the necessary responses.
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