UAV’S IN SURF LIFESAVING

UAV Operator’s Program

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles ( UAVs) or ‘Drones’ are a new technology that provide greater coverage and surveillance of potential risks along our coastline. UAV’s are used for a range of different public safety uses across the NWS Coastline..

UAV operators are an integral part of the Patrol team on the beach and Surf Lifesaving – some of the tasks associated with this role are to provide surveillance for;

- - - The patrol area
    - Junior activities (Nippers)
    - Club training
    - Special event such as ocean swims and triathlons
    - Local community activities like surfing comps
    - Major events like Nutri-Grain ironman Series, Country championships and Branch carnivals
    - Search and rescue operations
    - Land searches at the request of Police
    - Marine fauna surveys

Who can fly drones for surf life saving?

The program has been responsible for bringing people into surf life saving who otherwise would not have engaged in the activity. Anyone who wishes to fly a drone for SLSNSW is required to undertake an Operator Induction Program (OIP) . This program consist of an online course including operationally specific information including identification of marine life and other hazards such as rips currents as well as a full day of practical flight training with an instructor. You will need to obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ANR) and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operator Accreditation from CASA. You will be guided through these processes upon successful application and placement. Upon Completion of the training, you will be qualified for the UAV Operator role. For More information on how to get involved in the Volunteer UAV program, contact you local surf Club or you club UAV Co-Ordinator.

Further information of UAV’s can be found at https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/about-us/australian-uav-service/