Shark Spotting drone trial begins in NSW, Australia

Surf Life Saving New South Wales Australia this week commenced RPA operational trials at 9 locations, using DJI P4P’s & M600’s and machine learning algorithms which analyse live video and generate an alert whenever it identifies a shark.   Twenty seven Volunteer life savers and forty three professional life guards have cross trained to become RPA pilots for the program.

Never before have life guards been able to conduct patrols from 60 meters above the water, moving at speeds of up to 50 KM/H.

Speaking to sUAS News Kelvin Morton UAV Project Manager, Surf Life Saving New South Wales said, “This is a game changer in our relentless pursuit of excellence when it comes to keeping people safe on our beaches”

The trial is being conducted in partnership with the NSW State Government Department of Primary Industries and will complete at the end of April 2018.