Piloting safer beaches
by Emma Masters
UniSA staff and aviation graduates are helping to keep metropolitan
waters safe over summer by patrolling Adelaide beaches for sharks.
Every weekday from December through to March, the University’s planes fly along the coast from Outer Harbour to Normanville. UniSA aviation graduates pilot the planes and operate communications equipment, while State Emergency Service (SES) air observers keep on the lookout for sharks.
The UniSA patrols are a result of the state government increasing funding for shark patrols, following the tragic loss of two lives to shark attacks in the last 12 months.
Aviation graduate Andrew Miegel said he has relished the chance to be involved in the patrols.
“The patrols have been an excellent and rewarding experience,” Miegel said.
“It’s not only helped to build my flying hours after graduating last year, but it’s been a fantastic opportunity to do something for the community.
“I’ve learned so much, especially from the State Emergency Service volunteers. They’re really friendly people and I’ve found out so much about the work they do.”
Miegel is one of a group of 13 graduates who is working on the shark patrols, operating three flights a day. While there have been a number of sightings throughout the summer, he’s pleased the warning siren has been used only once while he’s been flying the plane.
“A shark was spotted around Blanche Point at Port Willunga,” Miegel said.
“There were surfers in the water so we sounded the siren and they moved pretty quickly.
“We fly 500 feet above the water. It’s close enough for people to hear the plane’s sirens and move out of the water as fast as possible.”
UniSA aviation senior lecturer Steve Thatcher said the patrols have benefited many.
“It’s a great opportunity for our graduates to get valuable work experience at a stage in their career when it is relatively difficult to get flying hours,” Thatcher said.
“The patrols are another example of the great work that is done when the
University, the government and volunteers work together for the good of the
community.
“We’ve also had fantastic support from local media, helping to get the
message out about where sharks have been spotted.”
The fixed-wing aircraft is a complementary service to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter patrols, which run on weekends and public holidays during summer.