Source : Perth Now news
Aerial patrols of Australia’s coastline will be extended amid increased shark sightings at popular beaches and warmer weather.
Shark surveillance aircraft will monitor beaches along South Australia’s coastline for an extra month on weekends in a bid to protect beachgoers.
Annual fixed-wing shark patrols began in November and were due to run until April 27 at the end of school holidays
But unseasonably high temperatures, a high number of beachgoers and continued shark sightings have prompted authorities to extend the aerial surveillance measures until May 25.
The South Australia government said a risk assessment done in consultation with SAPOL, PIRSA and the SES backed the extension.
Beaches from North Haven to Rapid Bay, and on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula between Waitpinga Beach, east of Victor Harbor, and the Murray Mouth will see additional patrols.
Aircraft on patrol are fitted with a siren to warn beachgoers when a shark is sighted and marked with the words “SHARK PATROL” in large lettering.
The Malinauskas government earlier announced a $500,000 shark mitigation package to provide further support to regional coastal areas.
The package enables Surf Life Saving SA to work closely with regional communities to develop coastal risk assessments and help them implement measures such as improved signage at beaches, trauma kits at key locations, increased use of drones and drone training as well as education programs for schools.
WA Emergency Services Minister Emily Bourke said the additional patrols would help to keep the coastline safer.
“Eyes in the sky are one way to protect beachgoers who are making the most of warmer conditions,” she said in a statement on Saturday.
Surfer Steven Payne was attacked in March at a remote beach at Wharton Beach, east of Esperance in Western Australia.
Drone footage from a witness of the attack showed a shark swimming away from a large cloud of blood close to the shore and a surfboard with bite marks was recovered from the water.
A large sea and coastal search failed to find his remains.
