A row has erupted over funding for shark patrols in South Australia in the aftermath of two fatal attacks interstate.
Family First MP Robert Brokenshire says full funding for regular helicopter patrols along metropolitan and south coast beaches must return.
Surf lifesavers say the helicopter patrols offer more versatility than fixed-wing aircraft but the loss of government funds last summer meant the chopper could now only take to the skies on weekends.
"Shark attacks are tragic for families and communities," Mr Brokenshire said on Monday.
"The most responsible way to manage shark proximity to our swimmers and surfers is to fund best-practice patrols."
But Emergency Services Minister Michael O'Brien said the fixed wing patrols funded by the government offered an effective means of detecting the presence of sharks.
"When a shark is seen near the shore or swimmers, the fixed wing aircraft will start a circular flying pattern and sound a siren to warn swimmers to leave the water as quickly as possible," he said.
Under the current arrangements, patrols by fixed-wing aircraft will be conducted along Adelaide's metropolitan coastline from North Haven, extending as far south as Rapid Bay.
They will operate from 11am to 8pm (CDST), seven days a week and will be extended to the south-coast between Victor Harbor and Goolwa on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.
The patrols run from December to the end of March.
Over the last week, two people have died in separate shark attacks - a bodyboarder near Coffs Harbour on the NSW coast and a surfer off Gracetown in Western Australia.
