In an Australian-first, the NSW Government is partnering with Surfing NSW to deliver shark attack-specific first aid training, first aid kits, and life-saving technology to NSW surf clubs as part of the state's Shark Management Program.
Surfing NSW will receive $500,000 to rollout the program, which includes deploying up to 20 drones to patrol surf events.
The NSW Government's 2021-2022 Shark Management Program also includes:
• The largest fleet of shark-spotting drones keeping watch over 50 beaches
• 37 VR4G (or satellite) listening stations to detect tagged sharks
• 170 SMART drumlines
• The continuation of 51 shark nets between Newcastle and Wollongong
• Funding for community awareness and education programs
• Funding for shark research, and
• A rollout of the SharkSmart app.
Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said that with most recent shark attack victims being surfers, this investment ensured a quick response to shark incidents.
"NSW has the largest shark management program anywhere across the globe and this is just another tool to help keep swimmers and surfers safe at the best beaches in the world," Mr Marshall said.
Beachgoers are encouraged to be SharkSmart and download the SharkSmart app when entering the ocean.
