Prior to operations, the Drone Operator is to set up an exclusion zone with minimum dimensions of 30m x 30m, in such a way that the minimum horizontal separation of 30m from people is achieved.
The exclusion zone should be set up prior to patrol to minimise disruption to the public and allow rapid deployment of the UAV if required.
The exclusion zone options will be listed in each club’s Local Operating Procedures. In general, these will be a minimum of 100m outside the Surfcraft flags to avoid heavily populated areas of the beach.
The exclusion zone must be manned at all times that the UAV is airborne to ensure it is kept clear in case of emergency landing.
The exclusion zone may extend into the water where tide/beach prohibits 30m of depth. If the exclusion zone includes an area in the water, this must be kept clear of swimmer.
Where the exclusion zone is set up away from the water, care must be taken not to fly over people when transecting to the water. The Drone Operator may wish to extend the exclusion zone using traffic cones and signage to the water, retreating as the tide comes in.
The exclusion zone is to be kept clear, particularly when taking off or landing. The use of an Observer to give directions to members of the public is advised. The Observer should explain that flights must be clear of people.
The Observer may allow people to walk along the water’s edge through the exclusion zone while the RPA is in flight. Before landing, the Drone Operator should inform the Observer of their intentions. At this stage, the Observer should politely ask any public to refrain from entering the area until the RPA has landed.
Below are examples of exclusion zone set ups:
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