- Surf Life Saving Western Australia aerial patrols underway in Perth and South West
- Aerial surveillance a key part of Cook Government's shark hazard mitigation strategy
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to keeping Western Australians safe
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopter patrols are back in the sky keeping a close eye on beaches across Perth and the South West.
Metropolitan patrols kicked off on Saturday and will operate on weekends throughout September before moving to daily flights from 26 September until the end of April.
The metropolitan helicopter patrols the coastline between Mandurah and Yanchep, as well as Rottnest Island.
South West patrols between Bunbury and Hamelin Bay, also commenced last weekend and will run daily throughout school holidays and peak periods over summer, and on weekends and public holidays at all other times.
The aerial patrols are a key part of the Cook Labor Government's comprehensive Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, providing an important early warning service for people enjoying Western Australia's beaches and oceans.
Helicopter crews can quickly alert beach users to shark activity by hovering over an area and sounding a siren when a shark is sighted in close proximity.
Last season, SLSWA helicopters conducted 707 patrols and almost 1,000 hours of flying, as well as supporting 60 search and rescue missions.
Crews reported 711 shark sightings during the season, accounting for around half of all shark sightings reported to Western Australians through the SharkSmart WA app and contributing to 83 beach closures.
More than 296,000 people have now downloaded the SharkSmart WA app, which provides information about reported shark activity, patrolled beaches and weather conditions to help people make informed decisions before heading to the coast.
Details of the metropolitan and South West aerial patrol services are available on the SharkSmart WA website.
Anyone who sees a shark is encouraged to report the sighting to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Surf Life Saving WA's helicopter patrols provide important eyes in the sky, helping keep people safe and informed when they are enjoying our beaches.
"Last season, helicopter crews reported around half of the shark sightings provided to the community through SharkSmart, demonstrating just how important this service is.
"Thank you to all the Surf Life Saving WA crews and volunteers for the important work they do in the air, on our beaches and on the water to help keep Western Australians safe."
