Move over sharks, this buzzing eye in the sky is causing a different kind of edginess.

Drones are playing a more active role in many sectors – including scientific research, shark spotting, surveillance, real estate, and nature, news and sport photography.

Some have also been designed to carry floatation aids to swimmers in need of rescue at the beach.

But it’s their presence as remote-visual tool which has been causing annoyance.

Small drones have been spotted hovering over northern suburbs beaches barely 6m off the sand, or water.

While the owners were not caught or questioned, many beachgoers figured they knew exactly what the craft were being used for – perving.

The result was an edgy atmosphere whenever the drone came near.

While there are rules, regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), enforcement is difficult. 

Don’t rely on Wollongong City Council, which has responsibility for the city’s beaches, and which has introduced new coastal rangers, but which showed little interest interest when asked about a policy on drones.

A spokesman said the matter was one for CASA or the police. 

“Council doesn’t have a specific policy that deals with using drones or remotely piloted aircraft in public spaces,” he said. “Council understands that the CASA safety requirements for operators do not support any use of remotely piloted aircraft near populated (parks, sports fields and beaches).” 

“There is no common law that can be exercised to prevent photography or filming of someone in a public place without his or her consent. However, if individuals believe the photography is offensive, they should contact NSW Police.”

CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said the main rules on drones were simple: “stay more than 30m from people and property, don’t fly over crowds or groups of people, stay away from aircraft and places where aircraft operate and keep your drone in your sight at all times”.

“As the aviation safety regulator CASA doesn’t have jurisdiction over issues such as privacy. We ask people to respect privacy but have no legal position in this area.

Many professional operators fly responsibly for their work. Anyone who is flying for a economic reward needs an unmanned operators certificate from CASA, costing about $5000.

Mr Gibson said there was a pamphlet given to all purchasers of drones, which sets out their responsibilities. Click here to see it.