Eyes in the sky will protect Fleurieu beachgoers looking to escape sweltering heat this summer as fixed wing shark patrols take off.

Hartwig Air started aerial patrols on Saturday 28 November and will continue through to 26 April 2021.

Patrols will conduct flyovers from North Haven to Rapid Head on the Fleurieu Peninsula between 10am and 7.30pm seven-days-a-week.

Hartwig Air will extend its safety coverage to the state’s south coast – from Rosetta Head (The Bluff) – to the Murray Mouth on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

Provisions are also in place to conduct additional early morning patrols during the VACSWIM program.

“We know South Australians love to visit the beach during summer to cool off and we have some of the most picturesque coasts in the world,” Minister for Emergency Services Vincent Tarzia says.

“The fixed wing shark patrol is operated by a three-person crew and is a critical safety net that protects South Australians from sharks at some of our most popular beaches.

“Vigilance is still key for swimmers. Be aware of your surroundings and, where possible, swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the area that our dedicated volunteer surf lifesavers are watching most.”

When a shark is sighted, a siren will sound and the aircraft will circle above the threat’s location. On hearing the siren, swimmers should leave the water quickly but calmly.

Shark activity increases in warmer months due to the migration of fish into the St Vincent Gulf.

More than 50 shark sightings have been reported to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions this financial year. Five of those reports occurred this month.

In October, Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) volunteers returned to beach patrols. The SLSSA Westpac helicopter will provide aerial support during scheduled community aquatic events, which are expected to run until late February 2021.

SLSSA will continue to boost its water safety capability with the use of drones.

Image by PIRO4D from Pixabay