Drone to keep an eye on swimmers in Auckland

The plan is for the surveillance drone to be trialled at KareKare beach. Photo / Getty Images

A drone is being deployed to help keep an eye on swimmers at a West Auckland beach this summer.

The drone, a gift from the Mayor of Guangzhou, China, to Len Brown has been re-gifted to the Karekare Surf Lifesaving club.

The plan is for the surveillance drone to be trialled at KareKare beach as a way of improving rescue response times.

Club patrol captain and drone operator Matt Wade said it would enable the team to keep a closer eye on beach activity.

"It won't take away the need for rescue craft and lifeguards, but it will give us another pair of excellent eyes where it really counts," he said. "It will alert the lifeguards to people swimming out of the patrolled area and generally enhance our ability to save lives."

He said ideally the drone would be flown north over the infamous Cauldron where many rescues take place and south over unpatrolled areas toward Whatipu.

Mr Wade said the drone would be operated within Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

He said similar trials had already been underway in Australia, where the drones had been a "great success".

Fact box

• The club is 80 years old this season - the second oldest in Auckland
• It has saved 5000 people since its inception in 1935
• The drone is valued at $1000

Safety tips

Stay safe at the beach this summer

• Be prepared: learn to swim and set rules for safe play in the water
• Be watchful: Pay close attention to children in the water, swim with others and in areas where surf lifeguards are on patrol
• Be aware of dangers: Obey all safety signs, know the water hazards like rips and holes and waves, don't go swimming after drinking alcohol or if you are tired or cold
• Know your limits: Stay within your physical limits and experience