Australia Expands Drone Surveillance to Enhance Beach Safety Amid Shark Threats

Australia is enhancing safety measures for beachgoers following a recent shark attack at Coogee Beach involving a great white shark. In response, the country is deploying additional drones along its coastline to monitor shark activity and protect swimmers and surfers.

Jason Iggleden, a drone operator, regularly observes the waters of Bondi Beach in Sydney. He believes drones serve as an effective tool for monitoring shark presence, despite the inherent risks of ocean activities. Iggleden comments, “I’ll never say it’s safe to go in because no one’s ever going to be safe out there 100 percent. But the drone, in my opinion, is the best way to monitor the beach.” His experience spans eight years of watching the ocean from above.

While shark attacks are uncommon, recent incidents have heightened concerns. A schoolteacher was attacked by a great white shark at Coogee Beach, close to Bondi. This event, along with subsequent shark sightings, led to temporary beach closures across Sydney.

Responding to these events, New South Wales officials have increased funding for aerial shark surveillance. The Surf Life Saving New South Wales now manages a year-round drone program at about 70 beaches, an expansion from its previous seasonal operation. Once a drone pilot identifies a potentially dangerous shark, lifeguards are notified to alert swimmers and evacuate the water promptly.

In the first week of the expanded initiative, several beaches were temporarily closed due to shark sightings, underscoring the importance of these enhanced safety measures.