Australian Aerial Patrol

The Aerial Patrol was formed in 1957 following mounting concerns by Life Savers of shark activities at beaches in the Illawarra. The Patrol’s charter, to maintain the safety and the welfare of the community through aerial observation and support.

The Aerial Patrol undertakes a variety of functions from the Beach Patrols each summer through to the highest level of Search and Rescue within Australia. The Aerial Patrol is available for response to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a response time of 30 minutes.