Surf Life Saving Queensland is set to integrate drones and artificial intelligence into its beach patrol and disaster relief operations after buying search and rescue technology company The Ripper Group.
SLSQ director Grant Dearlove says the integration of drones into patrol operations will allow the service to save more lives and make life saving more attractive to young people.
Drones were first used as shark spotters on the Gold Coast in September last year but are expected to take on a bigger role this surf season following the merger.