Surf Patrols given boost to keep our beaches safe

The State Government has announced a $17 million boost for Surf Life Saving WA over the next three years. The funding allocation includes beach and aerial patrols, communication system upgrades and a jet ski response team. Patrol helicopters to scan WA beaches this spring and summer will run weekly until school holidays begins, when they will patrol the shore daily. The patrols in the South West run from Bunbury as far south as Hamelin Bay, intended to spot rips, sharks and swimmers in trouble. The funding also supports targeting shark tagging, the SharkSmart WA app, and an upgrade to the Shark Notification and Response System. Fisheries Minister Don Punch thanked Surf Life Saving WA for their consistent work, and reminded beach goers of what to look out for these holidays. “I thank the helicopter crews for their dedication to keeping watch over our popular beaches in Perth and the South West for holidaymakers and locals alike,” he said. “The patrol crews report shark sightings to Water Police as part of their role and, if they come across a shark close to any beaches, they will hover and sound their siren to warn the public and then continue patrolling after swimmers are out of the water. “If you’re at the beach when the helicopter siren is sounded, the important advice is to stay out of the water for at least 60 minutes.”