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Shark attack first-aid for NSW surfers

The $21.4 million program will expand its use of drumlines, listening stations and drones.

The $21.4 million program will expand its use of drumlines, listening stations and drones. Photo: AAP

NSW surfers will have access to shark attack first-aid training while custom first-aid kits will be rolled out to surf clubs as part of a strategy to save lives.

Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall says Surfing NSW will receive $500,000 to deliver the kits to more than 160 board rider clubs and surf schools, while 20 drones will be deployed to patrol surf events this summer.

“Most recent shark attack victims have been surfers, so this investment is about doing everything we can to ensure they get help quickly,” Mr Marshall said on Monday.

“NSW has the largest shark management program anywhere across the globe and this is just another tool to help keep swimmers and surfers safe at the best beaches in the world.”

Surfing NSW chief executive Luke Madden said the skills and resources could prove life-saving, especially in remote regions where emergency services were further away.

The NSW government in September announced a large fleet of drones would be deployed as part of a tripling of the government’s shark management budget.

The $21.4 million program will expand its use of drumlines, listening stations and the world’s largest fleet of domestic drones.

There will be 37 listening stations set up to make sure when a tagged shark comes closer to the coast, anyone using the SharkSmart app will know instantly.

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