Shark-spotting drones to patrol NSW beaches

A shark seen off Byron Bay, News South Wales, Australia in 2014 shortly after a man died. Drones and helicopters will patrol the state's beaches in school holidays to watch for danger. Photo / 7 NEWS

Shark-spotting drones and helicopters are set to again patrol northern NSW beaches over the upcoming school holidays, but, for the first time, some of the drones will be fitted with a siren.

A remote control operator will test the new feature from July 1 by sounding the alarm to alert swimmers and surfers if a shark is spotted nearby.

Australia's Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair says the drones and helicopters have proven successful in protecting swimmers in the past.

"Last summer they spotted 571 dangerous sharks and assisted in saving two swimmers caught in a rip," Mr Blair said in a statement.

Drones will be deployed at Lennox Head, Ballina, Evans Head and Byron Bay if weather permits.

Helicopter flights will patrol several beaches in northern NSW beaches some in the Hunter region.

Beachgoers can stay up to date throughout the day by checking the SharkSmart app or Twitter feed.

The online services provide real-time shark alerts when a tagged shark swims within 500 metres of one of 20 listening stations.

- AAP