First drones with shark sirens on NSW beaches

SHARK-SPOTTING drones and helicopters are set to again patrol northern NSW beaches over the school holidays, but for the first time, some of the drones will be fitted with a siren.

A remote control operator will test the new feature from tomorrow by sounding the alarm to alert swimmers and surfers if a shark is spotted nearby.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair says the drones and helicopters have proven successful in protecting swimmers in the past.

“Last summer they spotted 571 dangerous sharks and assisted in saving two swimmers caught in a rip,” Mr Blair said.

Drones will be deployed at Lennox Head, Ballina, Evans Head and Byron Bay if weather permits.

Helicopter flights will patrol several beaches in northern NSW as well as the Hunter region. Beachgoers can stay up to date by checking the SharkSmart app or Twitter feed.

The online services provide real-time alerts when a tagged shark swims within 500m of one of 20 listening stations.