Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSC) has introduced a new beach surveillance programme using drones. The $34 million project is part of a broader strategy to increase safety along the coast. The aim is to reduce the number of incidents in the water through early warning and faster intervention by lifeguards.
Currently, 70 beaches are included in the scheme. Of these, 38 locations benefit from continuous drone surveillance throughout the day. The remainder of the beach network uses the technology as an addition to existing surveillance mechanisms, depending on specific local conditions and seasonal changes in the number of visitors.
According to SLSC, the drones allow monitoring of a wider area, including marine life. Particular attention is paid to monitoring potentially dangerous species, such as sharks, with the aim of preventing attacks on swimmers. The technology allows potential hazards to be identified more quickly than traditional methods of watching from the beach.
This technological upgrade is part of a wider effort by local communities and lifeguards to improve safety. Official data indicates that such systems can contribute to a better understanding of the behaviour of marine life in their natural habitats, which is crucial for preventive measures.
Although it is a new approach, SLSC stresses that the technology does not replace human lifeguards, but rather provides them with additional tools for their work. The aim is to maintain a high level of safety for all beachgoers, using advanced technology to respond more quickly and accurately to potential hazards in the water.
