Sydney’s ocean beaches will be patrolled by shark-spotting drones as part of a new state-backed program aimed at improving swimmer safety, with technology now integrated into Surf Life Saving operations across New South Wales.
The initiative is part of a $34 million expansion of drone surveillance covering 70 beaches statewide, including all 38 of Sydney’s ocean beaches. The system operates from dawn to dusk, with multiple daily flights designed to detect sharks near swimming areas and provide rapid alerts to lifeguards and beachgoers. According to Surf Life Saving NSW, the drones are operated by trained personnel and feed live information to lifeguard teams and a central monitoring system linked to the Shark Smart app.
Under the program, drones are equipped with cameras and communication tools, including sirens and speakers that can be activated when a shark is sighted near swimmers. The technology is intended to provide early warnings and support beach closures or evacuations when necessary.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the expansion aims to increase surveillance coverage across popular coastal locations. He stated: “While no one can ever promise no shark interactions, this investment is about putting more eyes in the sky so we can spot sharks earlier and give people a clear heads-up when they’re in the water.”
The program builds on earlier drone trials conducted at selected beaches and forms part of broader shark mitigation strategies that also include shark nets and SMART drumlines already used along parts of the NSW coast. Authorities have indicated that the system may be expanded further in future, including potential automation using artificial intelligence to assist with shark detection.
Surf Life Saving NSW has stated that drones are now routinely deployed across Sydney beaches on a scheduled basis, with coverage designed to increase monitoring during peak swimming periods and summer months when beach attendance is highest.
The rollout follows several recent shark sightings and beach closures across Sydney’s coastline, prompting increased attention to monitoring and response capabilities.
Officials say the combined surveillance network is intended to provide real-time information to lifeguards, with the goal of improving response times when marine hazards are detected offshore.
