The New South Wales government is expanding its shark safety program to include year-round drone patrols for shark spotting at beaches [1].

This initiative aims to prevent further injuries and deaths by providing constant surveillance of coastal waters. The move follows a shark attack on a young mother swimming between the red and yellow flags at Coogee Beach in Sydney [2].

Premier Chris Minns said the program will expand [1]. The program will now operate from dawn to dusk throughout the year to ensure public safety regardless of the season [2].

To fund the expansion of these operations, the government has allocated $34 million [2]. These funds will support the deployment of drones across 70 beaches throughout the state [3].

Officials said the program is the largest of its kind in the world [1]. By using aerial surveillance, the state intends to identify shark presence more quickly than traditional shore-based spotting allows, reducing the risk to swimmers and surfers.

Local authorities said the increased funding allows for a more consistent presence of technology at high-risk locations. The drones provide real-time data to beach patrols, allowing for immediate warnings to be issued to the public [2].

“The program will now operate from dawn to dusk throughout the year”

The shift to year-round drone surveillance indicates a move toward technology-led public health and safety strategies in coastal management. By scaling the program to 70 beaches, the NSW government is attempting to mitigate the inherent risks of shark-human interactions through constant monitoring rather than relying on seasonal lifeguard staffing.