South Australia should follow the lead of other states by using drones to protect swimmers from sharks and dangerous rips, Liberal leader Steven Marshall says.
Mr Marshall today unveiled the pre-election policy, which would see each of the state's 21 surf lifesaving clubs equipped with a drone at a total cost of about $200,000.
Western Australia introduced a similar scheme last year, following 2015 trials on the eastern seaboard.
Mr Marshall said SA's surf lifesaving clubs had asked for access to drone technology to enhance their patrols.
"We've got excellent helicopter surveillance at the moment but they can't be everywhere all of the time," Mr Marshall said.
"It's not a hugely expensive policy but what it is is smart use of technology that already exists."
The Liberal leader said aerial surveillance at beaches has been trialled successfully in WA.
A marine researcher in that state has previously recommended their use as a cost-effective way of patrolling remote beaches.
Mr Marshall said the proposed local scheme would include training for lifesavers to pilot the unmanned craft, and said it would be up to individual clubs to determine when they should be used.
He said currently the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and local governments restricted the use of drones along SA coasts.
"We'll be working with CASA and any authority that is required," he said.
"We've seen this rolled out in other jurisdictions. There's no reason why it can't be done here."
