A RESCUE helicopter will begin shark patrols this Saturday along Perth’s metropolitan beaches, replacing the fixed wing patrols of previous summers.
Surf Life Saving WA will add shark hazard response to its range of beach safety services through its Westpac Lifesaver Rescue helicopter, which will operate each weekend and on public holidays.
The helicopter patrols take over after Edith Cowan University opted out of its previous arrangement with the State Government.
From 2001 to 2008, ECU’s volunteer student pilots patrolled the coast. Previous patrols had started earlier in the summer.
Premier Colin Barnett said the helicopter could respond to surf lifesavers in a far greater range of situations, including shark monitoring and responses to shark sightings.
He said the Shark Hazard Committee, which has the job of assessing the effectiveness of shark hazard mitigation strategies, recommended a change from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopter to improve beach safety services to the community.
“We all know how successfully media choppers have been able to find sharks, sighted near our beaches,’ Mr Barnett said.
“Manoeuvrability and good viewing options for the crew on the Surf Lifesaving helicopter will provide the same opportunities in this dedicated service for Perth beaches.
“They can fly at varying heights and hover to investigate and pinpoint locations with GPS technology.”
In November 2000 West Australians were stunned by a shark attack at Cottesloe Beach just metres from the shore which resulted in the death of Ken Crew.
Several metropolitan beaches have been closed in recent years because of shark sightings.
The State Government provided Surf Life Saving WA with $110,000 to expand its helicopter use and flying time.