The summer SharkSmart campaign is in full swing this Queensland school holidays, aimed at building community awareness when visiting the state’s beaches.
The campaign is delivered as part of the Shark Control Program, which focuses on reducing the risk of shark bites.
The program uses a multi-faceted approach encompassing shark control equipment, research, trials of new technology like drones and catch alert drumlines, and community education.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Pauline Jacob said while the risk of a shark bite is very low, there are things people can do to reduce it.
“You can visit one of our SharkSmart drone trial beaches this summer, where Surf Life Saving Queensland pilots will be monitoring for sharks and other marine hazards,” Ms Jacob said.
“Drones will be flying every day over the Queensland school holidays at various beaches from the Gold Coast up to Magnetic Island, weather permitting.
“However, while we can reduce the risk of an incident using monitoring methods like drones and catch alert drumlines, we can’t completely remove it.
“That’s why we need everyone to do their part whenever they’re on or in the water.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operations officer Greg Cahill said drones were just one of several shark mitigation tools aiding the work of lifesavers.
“Since the drone trial began in September 2020, SLSQ has operated more than 22,000 drone flights at 11 beaches, flying almost 9,000 kilometres and spotting 5,615 sharks,” Mr Cahill said.
“We’ve closed beaches on 46 occasions to manage the risk to swimmers.”
Mr Cahill recommended people follow the 6 SHARKS tips:
1. Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and check signage.
2. Have a buddy and look out for each other.
3. Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk.
4. Reduce risk, avoid schools of bait fishing or diving birds.
5. Keep fish waste and food scraps out of the water where people swim.
6. Swim in clear water away from people fishing.
For more information, visit the SharkSmart website: daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/sharksmart
