Advanced technology will be used to keep beach goers safe this festive season. Two licenced drones will be used at Fish Hoek and Muizenberg beaches to improve beach safety. The initiative will be headed by Shark Spotters – the award-winning shark safety organisation.
CEO of Shark Spotters Sarah Waries said, “Every year we see a significant increase in shark sightings in spring and summer, which coincides with school holidays and the period when our beaches are busiest. During this time, sharks change their diet from winter feeding patterns of hunting seals around Seal Island, and generally move inshore where they search along the coastline for prey such as yellowtail, smaller sharks and rays.”
The drones are sponsored by WeFix and are fully licenced allowing pilots to fly them at beaches.
CEO of WeFix, Alex Fourie said, “We are delighted by the progress made by Seffie and Ghaliep. A drone certification takes significant time and commitment, but their skills have dramatically improved the ability to search for Great Whites or investigate possible sightings at popular swimming and surfing beaches. The drone makes a significant difference, allowing Shark Spotters to get closer to the shark, as far out as 500m out to sea, recording data which is enhancing our knowledge of the species in the area, and is highly valuable over the long term.”
The drones will also be used to assist with other safety issues on the beach, including crime prevention and lifesaving activities.
Picture: Pixabay
Graphic: Shark Spotters