A full complement of shark surveillance aircraft will return to the skies this Saturday, 18 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 first week of December start date has historically aligned with increased beach activity with warmer weather arriving and school holidays commencing. Following last week’s shark attack and the early onset of hot weather the shark patrol will commence two weeks early this year.
The Malinauskas Government provides more than $460,000 each summer for the shark patrol program.
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.
The aerial patrols have operated in South Australia since 2003.
As put by Joe Szakacs
We are taking quick and decisive action to deliver aerial shark patrols two weeks early, to ensure South Australians remain feeling at home on our beautiful beaches.
I expect with a longer, hotter summer, South Australians will be flocking to beaches. They can do so knowing that our shark patrol planes will be in the air until Easter.
As put by Chris Beattie, State Emergency Service Chief Officer
The fixed wing shark patrol will commence two weeks earlier than scheduled.
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.
