Beach safety in Port Macquarie will reach new heights from Saturday with a Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS) drone trial running at 18 beaches, including Flynns Beach.
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Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the project is a collaboration with the state government.
"The drones will enhance the already significant capacity of our lifeguards and lifesavers to increase protection for beachgoers from sharks and other beach hazards, beginning September 21," she said.
Mrs Williams said the trial is fantastic news for beachgoers and lifeguards in Port Macquarie.
"This partnership has enabled SLS to train more than 300 pilots from Tweed to Eden, develop standard operating and communication procedures, increase their member base, and provide further opportunities for community engagement and increasing safety at our beaches," she said.
"Our lifeguards work tirelessly over the warmer months, so I'm delighted that they will be supported with the latest available technology to help keep beachgoers safe.
"For families and friends who love to head to the beach during the warmer months, they can feel safe in the knowledge that as much as possible is being done to protect them from sharks and other beach hazards."
In the last season's trial, drones flew more than 25,000 kilometres and over 8,000 flights, observed approximately 350 sharks, and cleared our beaches on 48 occasions.