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The WA government will invest an extra $13.2 million into Surf Life Saving Western Australia’s (SLSWA) aerial and beach surveillance.
Under the new three-year agreement, SLSWA will continue to deliver helicopter, jet-ski and beach patrols for safety and shark monitoring, as well as communications through its SurfCom centre and shark notifications on social media.
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SLSWA will begin its annual Westpac helicopter shark patrol along the Perth and South West coasts this weekend. The Perth service will cover the area between Mandurah, Yanchep, and Rottnest Island, while the South West service will patrol between Bunbury and Hamelin Bay.
“WA’s shark hazard mitigation strategy is one of the most comprehensive approaches in Australia, with a range of measures to ensure the beautiful ocean and river environments can be enjoyed as safely as possible,” the government said in a press release.
“Last season, the SLSWA helicopter services carried out 719 patrols, 64 search and rescue missions and triggered 101 beach closures across almost 1,000 flying hours.”
According to WA Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis, SLSWA is a “key partner for WA’s comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy”.
“We’re very proud to continue to support the Surf Life Saving WA patrols which are a vital part of our shark hazard mitigation strategy to help keep WA beachgoers safe and aware,” she said.
“The aerial patrols were responsible for about half of the reported shark sightings on the SharkSmart WA app and website last season.
“This important service is highly valued by visitors to our beaches, providing direct communication and timely information about any sightings so people can enjoy the beach with confidence.”
According to SLSWA, the figure includes $4.4 million for shark mitigation strategies over 2025–26.
“Funding is used for aerial patrols provided by SLSWA’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, beach patrols, coordination of service and emergency responses via SurfCom communications centre and a jetski response team,” the organisation said on its website.
“The helicopter service provides many benefits including the ability to directly communicate with the public. When a shark is sighted, the helicopter will hover and sound its siren to warn beach users that there is a shark in close proximity.
“In addition, the crew are medically trained and equipped to assist in a real time emergency when needed.”
The patrols will begin on 6 September and run until the end of April.
