Robot spy planes to aid lifesavers
Kieran Campbell, Sunshine Coast Daily
UNMANNED “drones” will be the new frontline weapon helping lifesavers eradicate black spots on Sunshine Coast beaches.
Surf lifesaving officials yesterday unveiled their new weapon against beach drownings and revealed they hoped to have them flying over Coast beaches by next summer.
The planes have a wingspan of about a metre and resemble a remote-controlled toy.
But the similarity is only superficial.
The 1kg robotic aircraft is fitted with cameras that relay real-time video to computer screens to enable lifesavers to monitor beaches some distance away.
“Within surf lifesaving we have a saying that if we can’t see you, we can’t save you,” SLS CEO Brett Williamson said.
“Unfortunately we can’t be at all places at all times. This initiative we see is a significant enhancement to extending our watch.
“That means we can keep an eye on more beaches, the remote beaches that people are increasingly flocking to and at remote times.”
