While the public saw drones patrolling above the surf and scanning for marine life and patroling above the water, much of the success behind these operations came from the work done well before the event. Surf Life Saving Queensland is the parent company of us at Uncrewed Aviation Australia, and we supported SLSQ at the recent Aussie Titles in two key areas:
✅ Airspace Approvals
The Aussie Titles were held beneath Class C controlled airspace, just south of Gold Coast Airport. That meant flying drones wasn’t as simple as launching from the beach. CASA restrictions apply in this zone, with altitude limits, proximity rules, and coordination requirements due to low-flying aircraft.
Our team worked directly with SLSQ to:
- Assess the airspace and design safe flight plans
- Prepare and submit operational approvals and risk assessments
- Liaise with CASA to ensure regulatory compliance
- Establish altitude limits and buffer zones near the airport flight path
“Because it’s in C-class airspace, we’ve got approvals to fly, but only at 40 meters. The runway is just to the north, and you’ll see planes coming in low over Tugun.”
— Rob Adsett, SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot
Thanks to this preparation, SLSQ pilots were cleared to operate exactly where they were needed—legally, safely, and with complete situational awareness.
✅Training Skilled Drone Pilots for the Frontline
Training Skilled Drone Pilots for the Frontline
The other crucial element? Training.
We’ve proudly trained and certified many of SLSQ’s drone pilots, guiding them through a comprehensive pathway that includes:
- Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
- ReOC support for organisational operations
- Controlled airspace procedures and emergency operations
- Real-world flight scenario training including beach and marine safety
- This high-level training gives operators the knowledge and confidence to fly during high-pressure events like the Aussie Titles—where quick thinking and expert drone handling can make all the difference.
“We’re flying a DJI M30 with 200x zoom, so we can monitor the entire coastline and zoom in on incidents like capsized boats or swimmers in distress. It’s a huge advantage.”
We also train pilots to work in sync with on-ground lifesaving teams and emergency operations centres, streaming live drone feeds that help commanders assess and respond in real time.
“Our emergency control centre gets a live feed of the drone and can direct us to scan specific areas—it’s a coordinated effort.”
—Rob Adsett, SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot
Drones on Patrol: Safety in the Sky at the Aussie Titles
During the event, drones were used to:
- Scan for marine life and potential hazards
- Monitor the competition zones and wider coastline
- Assist in real-time emergency response
- Relay live vision to SLSQ’s emergency command post
When one surf boat capsized during a race, the drone was able to respond immediately, zooming in on the scene and relaying visual intel to the control centre.
Even with airspace restrictions, operators maintained coverage across the entire beach precinct, thanks to high-powered zoom and precise airspace planning.
“We’ve got up to 800m range with the M30, and we can hot-swap batteries in under 30 seconds to keep the live stream going.”
—Rob Adsett, SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot
It was an impressive example of how uncrewed aviation can operate safely, legally, and effectively in complex, high-traffic environments.
Meet the Workhorse: DJI M30T
At the heart of SLSQ's drone operations is the DJI Matrice 30 (M30T) — a powerful, all-weather drone designed for public safety, emergency response, and search and rescue missions. Its rugged build and high-end features make it the ideal choice for the demanding conditions of surf life saving.
✅ All-Weather Flight Capability
Unlike recreational drones, the M30 is built to perform in wind, rain, and variable weather — the kind of conditions surf lifesavers often face.
- Wind resistance: Up to 15 m/s (~54 km/h), allowing safe and stable flight in windy coastal conditions
- Ingress protection: Rated IP55, which means the drone can withstand rain, dust, and salt spray
- Operating temperature range: -20°C to 50°C, making it reliable in both cold and sweltering heat
“We’ve flown in some pretty wild conditions — the M30 handles it no problem. That stability is key when you’re trying to get a visual on something urgent in the surf.”
—Rob Adsett, SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot
🔎 Unmatched Zoom Capabilities
One of the M30’s standout features is its integrated camera system, which includes 200x hybrid zoom. This enables operators to:
- Identify swimmers, vessels, or marine life from hundreds of metres away
- Scan competition zones without flying directly overhead
- Capture crystal-clear imagery for situational assessment
“We can see from Snapper Rocks right up past Burleigh — and zoom in close enough to spot someone waving their arm in the water. It’s incredibly sharp.”
—Rob Adsett, SLSQ Chief Remote Pilot
The drone’s thermal imaging (M30T model) also adds another layer of capability, particularly useful during early morning patrols, low light, or when searching for a heat signature in open water.
📡 Real-Time Connectivity
With live streaming to command centres, high-quality GPS, and rapid battery hot-swapping, the M30T allows drone pilots to maintain aerial oversight without interruption — even in emergencies.
Uncrewed Aviation Australia: Helping Shape the Future of Beach Safety
The Aussie Titles highlighted just how far drone technology—and professional drone operations—have come.
This isn’t hobby flying. It’s mission-critical aviation, powered by skilled operators, specialist equipment, and strong compliance with aviation laws. Drones are now a permanent fixture in beach safety, shark surveillance, and emergency response—and Uncrewed Aviation Australia is the framework that makes it all work.
We’re proud to help shape this future by:
- Training drone pilots from lifesaving, government, and industry sectors
- Supporting ReOC holders with documentation, compliance, and approvals
- Helping organisations operate drones safely in complex airspace
Take Your Drone Skills to the Next Level
Whether you're a surf lifesaver, an emergency responder, or an industry professional ready to step into the uncrewed aviation space, we're here to help you fly further.
👉 Explore our drone training programs
👉 Need support with airspace approvals? Let’s chat.
👉 Join the next generation of professional drone pilots
