Aerial beach patrols commence two weeks earlier in South Australia following shark attack

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Aerial beach patrols commence two weeks earlier in South Australia following shark attack

November 22, 2023

Environment / Recreation / Safety /

Aerial shark patrols have commenced two weeks earlier than usual at South Australia’s highest risk beaches following the recent attack at Port Noarlunga that left a 32-year-old woman with serious injuries.

The first week of December start date has historically aligned with increased beach activity with warmer weather arriving and school holidays commencing, however, the recent shark attack prompted a full complement of shark surveillance aircraft commencing on 18th November, to monitor beaches from North Haven to Rapid Bay, and between Victor Harbor and the Murray Mouth.

The fixed wing aircraft will fly daily until Easter over metropolitan areas, with flights to be extended to the south coast on weekends, school and public holidays, providing multiple flights over our highest populated and aquatic activity beaches.

The shark patrol flights support local business and pilot training, while putting eyes in the sky to protect beachgoers.

The fixed wing aircraft has the words ‘SHARK PATROL’ in large lettering on the wing underside and is fitted with a siren to warn beachgoers. In the event of a sighting that may pose a risk to the public, the aircraft will fly continuous orbits over the area and sound the siren, at which time people should immediately leave the water.

The aerial patrols have operated in South Australia since 2003.

26th October 2023 - Western Australian Government bans shark fishing from all Perth beaches

18th September 2023 - Organisations to host community support session in Port Macquarie following Shark Incident

4th September 2023 - Local contractor appointed to install Swan River’s first shark barrier in Bicton Baths

16th March 2023 - Perth’s Swan River shark attack prompts expansion of Western Australia tagging program

25th February 2023 - City of Fremantle explores shark barrier options

4th November 2022 - SharkSmart WA app hits 100,000 downloads milestone

26th September 2022 - $5.1 million delivered for Western Australia’s shark mitigation strategies

28th July 2022 - Surf Life Saving Queensland given $6 million to expand trial of shark spotting drones

22nd June 2022 - Fremantle community support enforced shark fishing ban

30th May 2022 - Kempsey residents questioned about shark safety on the coast

21st April 2022 - Three new next-gen shark monitoring receivers installed on Busselton Jetty

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