A longer season of shark detection drone patrols is underway across the Northern Beaches, with expanded surveillance and safety initiatives in place for summer.
A Longer Season Of Aerial Surveillance
Drone-based shark monitoring has operated along the NSW coastline for almost a decade, with patrols traditionally concentrated during peak summer periods. Following a fatal shark attack at Dee Why Beach in September 2025, the timing and duration of surveillance activities were reviewed.
The revised approach extends aerial monitoring across the summer months, increasing coverage during periods of higher beach activity across the Northern Beaches.
Earlier Patrols And Extended Coverage
Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrols commenced a week earlier than usual on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Surveillance expanded to 50 beaches by 20 December, with drones operating daily throughout the Christmas and January holiday period.
From February, patrols continue on weekends until Sunday, 29 March 2026. Beaches across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, fall within the broader surveillance network operating under the extended schedule.
Monitoring Beyond Standard Patrol Hours
Additional drones and training are being rolled out to boardrider clubs through Surfing NSW. This allows for increased monitoring during unpatrolled times and at organised surf events.
The additional coverage is designed to complement existing lifesaving patrols and improve overall situational awareness at busy coastal locations.
Emergency Response Improvements
Community Shark Bite Kits are being installed at unpatrolled beaches and on emergency response beacons in high-risk coastal locations. The kits contain tourniquets, compression bandages, dressings and other essential first aid supplies intended to support immediate response to serious bite injuries.
Further measures include updates to the SharkSmart app and expanded community education initiatives, including pop-up safety sessions delivered at coastal locations.
Summer Safety Outlook
Surf lifesaving organisations report that drone surveillance provides earlier detection and improved warning capability for beach users. While the risk of shark interactions cannot be eliminated, extended patrols and enhanced response tools are expected to strengthen beach safety outcomes for Manly over the summer period.
Published 13-Jan-2026
