SENSORS and technology are expected to be installed at Redhead and Blacksmiths beaches by next summer, in the trial of a world-first program that aims to reduce the number of drownings.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, visited Redhead on Friday to help launch the Smart Beaches Project, which received $910,000 through round two of the federal government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program.
Sensors and other technology will monitor wave and swell movement to enable earlier detection of dangerous conditions, as well as visitor activity to indicate which beaches and facilities such as carparks and showers are busiest.
Senator Arthur Sinodinos said “technology can provide real safety benefits and Smart Beaches will explore that potential”.
Data will be transmitted in real time to lifeguards, councils and the public.
The University of Technology Sydney will develop and trial the software at Redhead, Blacksmiths, Manly and Shelley beaches over the next 12 months.