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Media Release

December 2, 2005

UniSA and SES begin summer shark patrols

Channel 10's Jane Reilly reporting from the launch of the UniSA-SES Shark Patrol service at Parafield Airport

Channel 10's Jane Reilly reporting from the launch of the UniSA-SES Shark Patrol service at Parafield Airport

The University of South Australia (UniSA) and the State Emergency Service (SES) will be keeping metropolitan waters safe this summer by patrolling the beaches for sharks.

Starting this Monday December 5, the University will use its planes to patrol the coast on weekdays until the end of January, with UniSA aviation graduates flying the planes and operating communications, and SES air observers searching for sharks.

“UniSA is proud to be providing such a vital community service,” UniSA aviation senior lecturer Steve Thatcher said.

“It’s also great that we can provide valuable experience for our graduates.

"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.”

The UniSA – SES weekday patrols will be running from 12pm – 7pm, from Outer Harbor to Normanville.

The fixed-wing aircraft service will complement the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter patrols, which will be running on the weekends and public holidays.

The new patrol is a result of the State government doubling funding for shark patrols following the tragic loss of two lives to shark attacks in the last 12 months.

All media are invited to the first patrol take-off

When: Monday December 5 at 11am – first take-off at 11.30am
Where: UniSA Aviation Academy, Parafield airport – Hanger 55, Kittyhawke Lane, Parafield.
Who: UniSA graduate pilots and communication personnel, SES volunteers and spokespeople.

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