Is It A Shark? Using a Drone To Check For Sharks

We were hanging out in Kihei at a popular beginner surf spot called the Cove and we saw a shadow in the water.  Luckily, Ian from DroneMaui.com had his phantom with him so we decided to quickly do a shark check because the waters were full of surfers and swimmers.  While we were pretty sure there was not a shark, we could not be sure and this would be a great way to demonstrate another positive use for drones - Shark watch!  

With proper training, lifeguards at popular beaches could quickly and easily check out possible shark sightings (or other unidentified objects in the water) at popular beaches.  Shark attacks are extremely rare but they do provide a bit of anxiety to many people who enter the waters around Hawaii.  I could also imagine they would be really useful in situations where people get into distress far out while there are big swells coming in, the drone could easily hover above their head and monitor their position while help is on the way.  Even with a small swell, it is easy to lose sight of something floating in the water from shore.  

Here is the footage Ian got of my wife and I surfing in case you want to see it.  Drone shots look really cool even if you are learning like us!  Thanks again Ian for getting this footage, it was really cool to be on the other side of the drone camera.  The first shot is of me and I had no idea who was even filming because I did not know he was bringing his Phantom out.  I think he got the other bald guy sitting next to me confused with me, so this is great considering how confusing it was!