Drone patrols launched across Sydney beaches to boost swimmer safety after recent shark attacks

After a June shark attack that resulted in a teacher losing her arm, the New South Wales government allocated $34 million to extend drone monitoring to 38 of Sydney's ocean beaches, providing continuous coverage from sunrise to sunset. Drone pilot Taha Kafil-Hussain conducts daily flights, scanning the bay in a checkerboard pattern and using a speaker to warn swimmers, typically clearing the water within two to three minutes.

Since the program began on 1 July, officials have recorded more than 750 shark sightings and over 200 intervention actions, while listening stations track thousands of white, tiger and bull sharks. University of Sydney shark-policy specialist Christopher Pepin-Neff says drones are the best technology available but stress the need for public education and complementary measures such as SMART drum lines. Independent operator Jason Iggleden also contributes sightings via his Drone Shark App, highlighting the growing reliance on aerial surveillance to restore confidence for beachgoers.