Shark-spotting drones will be used at Birubi during the 2018-2019 beach patrol season, which will begin this weekend.
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Lifeguards will begin patrolling One Mile Beach on Saturday, and Fingal and Birubi beaches from October 2. Volunteer surf lifesavers will begin patrols of Fingal and Birubi beaches starting from Saturday.
Birubi has this year been added to NSW Department of Primary Industries’ aerial monitoring program, which will see lifesavers and lifeguards use drones to monitor the popular beach from the sky.
The birds-eye view allows drone operators to tip-off lifeguards or lifesavers if sharks are spotted in the area.
“The vision will be delivered live back to the Surf Life Saving team at the beach, allowing them to spot any potential problems in the water as they happen, making it genuinely lifesaving technology,” the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said.
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Additionally, the footage captured by the drones will help with shark species identification and research into the behaviour of marine life.
Drones are also fitted with alert devices and the ability to drop an inflatable rescue pod to distressed swimmers.
The aerial monitoring program will be funded through the NSW Government’s shark management strategy.
Following a successful trial at nine north coast beaches last summer, the program has been rolled out to 15 beaches, including Birubi, this summer.
The drones will complement helicopter aerial surveillance.
As part of the shark management strategy, a helicopter flies along the coastline between Birubi Beach and Crowdy Head once a day each day of the school holidays until the end of April.
“Every year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy our crystal clear water and beautiful beaches in Port Stephens,” Port Stephens councillor and Liberal candidate for Port Stephens, Jaimie Abbott, said.
“The expansion of this trial is also fantastic news for our local community as it improves the safety of beachgoers, while not posing a threat to our precious marine life.”
The number of visitors to the Port’s beaches grew by 20 per cent during the 2017-2018 season to 617,000 people.
Last year lifeguards made 33 rescues, gave 271 first aid treatments and took more than 64,000 actions to prevent problems at the Port’s beaches.
“This year the community will benefit from the brand new One Mile Beach lifeguard facility, which includes an elevated shark tower, first aid room and safe storage for lifesaving equipment,” Ian Crawford from Port Stephens Council, which contracts the Australian Lifeguard Service for beach patrols, said.
Port Stephens Lifeguard supervisor Phil Rock said beachgoers should remain vigilant when heading out for a swim this summer.
“Our safety message is simple – always swim at a patrolled location, always stay between the red and yellow flags, and never swim alone,” Mr Rock said.
“Make sure you follow the directions of lifeguards or lifesavers and if you're ever unsure of ocean conditions, just ask us for advice – that's what we're here for.”
Beach patrols continue through to April.
