- Surf Life Saving WA weekend helicopter patrols underway in time for spring
- Cook Government committing $12.6 million to helicopter patrols and vital frontline safety services over the next four years
- Western Australia's $17.3 million Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy one of the most comprehensive approaches in the country
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopters have returned to the sky this spring, patrolling the Perth and the South West coastlines so Western Australia's can enjoy the beach with confidence.
The helicopter patrols are a key component of the Cook Government's comprehensive Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, one of the most comprehensive mitigation strategies in the nation, which recently received a $17.3 million boost in the State Budget for the next four years.
Of this, $12.6 million was provided to Surf Life Saving WA to continue the helicopter patrols, as well as funding to provide integrated communication systems and vital frontline safety services like jet ski response teams.
Perth metropolitan aerial patrols cover the coast from Yanchep to Mandurah, including Rottnest Island. In the South West, patrols run from Bunbury to as far south as Hamelin Bay.
The helicopter crews are skilled at locating rip currents and incidents on beaches, as well as identifying risks from marine life, including sharks.
SLSWA helicopter patrols commenced on Sunday, 1 September and will run until the end of April 2025. A full list of season dates, including weekend and daily patrol schedules, can be found here.
The recent funding in the State Budget also supports targeted shark tagging, the SharkSmart WA app, downloaded by over 179,000 beach users, and continuation of the $200 personal Shark Deterrent Rebate scheme, which has been taken up by more than 9,480 people.
In a further boost to beach safety, the Cook Government also recently committed $500,000 for a new beach enclosure at Fremantle's Bathers Beach and $400,000 towards a replacement beach enclosure at Cottesloe Beach.
It is very important for anyone who sees a shark to report it to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600and quote the unique code of the closest Beach Emergency Number (BEN) sign, so authorities are able to easily identify the exact beach location. Beachgoers are encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"The Surf Life Saving WA helicopter patrols are an important part of the Cook Government's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy with crews spending almost 1,000 hours in the sky patrolling popular Perth and South West beaches in the 2023/24 season.
"Patrols for this season kicked off on 1 September, and I thank the dedicated Surf Life Saving WA team for the work they do in the sky and along our beaches helping to keep everyone safe.
"It is also great to see the community continuing to use the SharkSmart WA app which has had more than 179,000 downloads, providing a range of beach safety information including shark activity, locations of patrolled beaches and weather conditions.
"And remember if you see a shark, please report the sighting to Water Police on 9442 8600 with the BEN sign number for the exact location details and you'll be doing your bit to keep other beachgoers safe."
