Surf Life Saving WA helicopters return to keep beachgoers safe
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopters have returned to the sky this spring with helicopter crews skilled at locating rip currents and incidents on beaches, as well as identifying risks from marine life, including sharks.
SLSWA helicopter patrols commenced on 1st September and will run until the end of April 2025 - 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 WA 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 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 WA 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 8600 and 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.
A full list of season dates, including weekend and daily patrol schedules, can be found here
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