SA: South Australians at risk of shark attacks: opposition

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SA: South Australians at risk of shark attacks: opposition

ADELAIDE, Dec 26 AAP - South Australians faced an increased risk of shark attacks afterhelicopter patrols were replaced by fixed wing aircraft, the state opposition said today.

Opposition police spokesman Robert Brokenshire said helicopter patrols would be replacedfrom the New Year because of funding cuts.

Surf lifesavers were concerned planes would not be as effective as helicopters in anemergency, he said.

Lifesavers would no longer travel on board patrols along Adelaide's major beaches andplanes would not be able to hover near an emergency scene, Mr Brokenshire said.

"The helicopter has been instrumental in driving the sharks back to sea and is alsoinvaluable in surf rescues," he said.

Since December 7, there have been 24 separate shark sightings off Adelaide beaches.

Surf Lifesaving SA spokeswoman Elaine Farmer echoed the concerns.

"They (the planes) will just be communicating everything to us and we'll deal withall the problems," she said.

AAP sl/mg

KEYWORD: SHARK