Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) has welcomed this morning’s announcement by the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Fisheries, of an additional $3.7 million in funding as part of the government’s Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy.
The announcement follows the recent tragedy at Sorrento Beach and the increased shark activity seen along the West Australian coastline, which have created fear and eroded the confidence of beachgoers across our state.
Speaking at this morning’s media announcement, SLSWA President Heidi Gan said the funding would strengthen and expand key services delivered by SLSWA under the Strategy.
“Our role in shark hazard mitigation focuses on providing surveillance and taking preventative and emergency response actions when an imminent threat is identified”, said Ms Gan.
“We deliver this through key services, including our Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters, lifeguard and volunteer lifesaver beach patrols, and drone patrols.
“This morning’s funding announcement provides for a significant increase in these activities.
“Simply put, the more services we have on the beaches, and the longer they operate, the more threats we will identify and the more lives we can save.”
This additional funding will see SLSWA’s metropolitan and south-west Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service significantly increase its patrols for the coming season to nearly 1,800 hours, an increase of around 80%.
Last season, flying nearly 1,000 hours, the service reported more than 700 sightings and evacuated more than 5,500 beachgoers from the water in 436 separate beach evacuations.
The funding will also support additional drone patrols. While 19 WA surf life saving clubs already deliver drone patrols as part of their volunteer activities, this funding will provide for up to six additional patrols, as well as research into new drone technologies, leveraging the significant trials currently occurring on the east coast.
“Surf Life Saving in Australia is an early adopter of new drone technologies and large-scale usage, with trials of enhanced drones currently occurring across beaches in NSW and QLD.”
“Rather than replicating this research, this funding will support research into new drone technologies and leverage the existing trials on the east coast”, said Ms Gan.
“This morning’s funding announcement provides for a significant increase in these activities, and in this respect, we commend the government for its fast and effective response to the circumstances of the past few weeks.”
Surf Life Saving WA extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of Greg O’Neill on their loss, and recognises the impact this tragedy has had on the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club and members of the wider community navigating this trauma.
