Birdseye view keeps swimmers safe
UniSA
has once again won the tender to provide the aerial shark patrol for SA
beaches over the summer. UniSA graduate pilots will fly the spotter planes,
totting up invaluable flying time while undertaking an important community
service. Announced by Emergency Services Minister Carmel Zollo (pictured
centre) in October, the service will be part of a complete strategy to keep
SA beachgoers safe seven days a week. The patrols will run from December 1
to March 30 next year along the coast from North Haven to Normanville.
The SA government expects to spend around $250,000 this summer on its shark patrol package, which includes a grant to Surf Life Saving SA (SLSSA). The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, two jet rescue boats and, for the first time, three rescue jet skis will complete the safety picture.