25 surf rescue drones to be deployed across NSW beaches

They can spot sharks, drop flotation devices to those struggling in the water, and identify dangerous rips. And from next weekend, 25 of the surf rescue drones will take to the skies over NSW beaches.

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Drones capable of spotting sharks, saving drowning people and identifying rips will patrol almost every Sydney beach this summer.

Following the world’s first drone-led rescue at Lennox Head on the north coast earlier this year, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone program will see 25 of the drones buzzing along beaches from next weekend.

“Drones are the most dramatic piece of rescue equipment since the rubber ducky,” Little Ripper executive chairman Kevin Weldon told The Sunday Telegraph.

Surf Life Saving Australia’s chief drone pilot Tom Caska and drone pilot Sally Mac with a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone at Mona Vale Beach. Picture: Tim Hunter

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“In the 1970s rubber duckies went from nothing to being involved in 96 per cent of rescues.

“Drones will go down in history as saving more and more lives around the world.”

Two teenage boys owe their lives to the technology after they got swept off Lennox Head January 18.

The drone, which was undergoing a trial along the northern NSW coastline, was able to travel 800m in 70 seconds and drop a lightweight flotation device.

The boys clung to it and swam safely to shore.

The drone’s flotation devices can support four people, however an eight-person model is under development.

Mr Weldon said the Australian flotation devices are an improvement on the overseas models, which were so heavy that they were knocking people out when dropped from the sky.

Surf Life Saving Australia president Graham Ford said there were 110 coastal drownings last year, above the 14-year average of 99.

A Westpac drone was used to help save two teenagers at Lennox Head.

“The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drones will be hugely beneficial to surf lifesavers to spot potential risks in the water as they happen,” he said.

The Ripper Group is also looking at using drones to spot crocodiles and transporting medical equipment.

There will be 12 of the Westpac rescue drones in Queensland, three in Victoria, two in SA, seven in WA and one each in Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Sally Macintosh is a patrolling member at Avalon Beach Surf Lifesaving Club who has been trained in using the drones.

Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer (left) and SLSA president Graham Ford with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone.

She said it is invaluable in being able to see past ­headlands, check on rock fishermen and spot sharks.

“It also means that lifesavers themselves don’t need to put themselves in unnecessary danger,” the 34-year-old said.

“We can assess what’s happening before do something. Drones can also have much better visibility than what someone on a jet ski can, especially in choppy or windy conditions.”

Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer said: “These life saving drones will help local communities feel confident and safe as they visit beaches across Australia”.

Originally published as 25 surf rescue drones to be deployed across NSW beaches