Shark-spotting drones on patrol at Australian beaches

Photo taken on December 10, 2017 shows a shark-spotting drone with a safety flotation device attached underneath flying over Bilgola beach north of Sydney. High-tech shark-spotting drones are patrolling dozens of Australian beaches this summer to quickly identify underwater predators and deliver safety devices to swimmers and surfers faster than traditional lifesavers. / AFP PHOTO / PETER PARKS

SYDNEY: High-tech shark-spotting drones are patrolling dozens of Australian beaches this summer to quickly identify underwater predators and deliver safety devices to swimmers and surfers faster than traditional lifesavers. 

As hundreds of people lined up in early morning sun to take part in a recent ocean swimming race at Bilgola beach north of Sydney, they did so in the knowledge the ocean had been scanned to keep them safe.