Surf Life Saving Queensland Employs DJI Drones to Protect Swimmers from Shark Attacks

Surf Life Saving Queensland, an organization with a proud history of volunteer lifesaving services, has recently launched the Shark Smart drone trial to monitor shark activity along Queensland’s beaches. By utilizing DJI Enterprise products, particularly the DJI Matrice 30 series, lifeguards can now detect sharks and alert the public to potential dangers, ensuring safer beach experiences for all.

DJI Matrice 30 Series: A Game-Changer in Beach Safety

The DJI Matrice 30 series has proven to be a valuable tool in Surf Life Saving Queensland’s arsenal. With its compact design, weatherproofing, and advanced camera capabilities, the M30T has allowed lifeguards to conduct roughly 6,000 flights over the past 12 months, resulting in the detection of approximately 2,000 sharks.

The M30T’s highly integrated payload, featuring dual visual light sensors, a thermal camera, and a laser range finder, enables lifeguards to effectively monitor large areas of the beach. The camera’s enhanced optical zoom allows the drone to remain stationary while the camera does the work, greatly improving efficiency.

Training and Emergency Response

Uncrewed Aviation Australia supports Surf Life Saving Queensland by providing training to local lifeguards, Shark Smart Pilots, and volunteers through their academy. This ensures a high standard of drone pilots on Queensland’s beaches, ready to assist in emergency situations when needed.

The M30T’s advanced sensors and camera have proven invaluable in Search and Rescue operations, allowing lifeguards to cover a much larger area and improve the chances of successful outcomes.

Public Reception and Future Developments

The public has responded positively to the use of drones in beach safety, appreciating the added layer of protection they provide. The quiet operation of the drones ensures minimal disturbance to beachgoers, while their presence offers reassurance that potential threats are being monitored.

Surf Life Saving Queensland is now exploring partnerships to further advance the Shark Smart Program, including the integration of more sophisticated camera systems and Artificial Intelligence to detect sharks in real-time. The organization is excited about the future possibilities of incorporating DJI Enterprise products into their lifesaving efforts, both in the Shark Smart Program and in search and rescue operations as a whole.

The successful implementation of DJI drones, particularly the Matrice 30 series, in Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Shark Smart Program has demonstrated the immense potential of these technologies in ensuring public safety on beaches.

As the organization continues to innovate and expand its use of drones, beachgoers can look forward to even safer and more enjoyable experiences along Queensland’s stunning coastline.