Strategies for Ensuring Shark Safety in Australian Waters

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Beaches along the NSW coast have been closed after four shark attacks in two days, with swimmers urged not to swim in murky water.

The Northern Beaches Council has announced that all beaches within its jurisdiction will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The situation will be continuously assessed to determine when it is safe to reopen.

Fact box listing tips for avoiding sharks.

Experts advise swimmers to stick to areas between the flags and to avoid swimming in murky waters, as these precautions can help reduce the risk of shark attacks.

“It’s wise to steer clear of river mouths following heavy rainfall,” experts suggest, noting that these areas are often under heavy scrutiny. Surf lifesaving organizations are increasingly employing drones to monitor for sharks.

Experts have warned the public to be aware of conditions that may attract sharks.

Storms and wild weather can trigger flooding events, pushing baitfish out of rivers and drawing hungry sharks, as well as birds. They also make the water more murky, reducing visibility for both swimmers and sharks.

Macquarie University marine science expert Professor Rob Harcourt said heavy rain changes where fish swim — something that hungry sharks anticipate.

For those interested in learning more about shark behavior, SBS offers an interactive feature on sharks. Click the image below for access.

Bull sharks also breed in estuaries, and Harcourt said Sydney Harbour is prime bull shark habitat.

Research shows that the warming of water due to climate change means sharks are staying around the city longer, and also swimming further south, he added.

“Which is, of course, where humans tend to live.”

Experts say the safest place to swim in Australia is between the flags.

This is partly because these areas are highly scrutinised, and surf lifesaving organisations are also now using drones to look for sharks.

Senior research fellow at RMIT University, Dr Rebecca Olive, said drone footage of shark encounters with people has led to increased awareness of the presence of sharks, as well as some shark behaviours.

“This has led to further understanding of the conditions that accompany an increased shark presence, such as storm runoff, fish and bait balls, and whale deaths. Swimmers and surfers often refer to this footage, and use it as evidence of what they already know — that they share the water with sharks.”

For more information about shark behaviour, SBS has created an interactive on sharks. Click the image below.

The highest number of attacks recorded in a single year was in 2020, when 28 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database. Seven of those people died.

Last year, there were 23 shark incidents, which resulted in six deaths.

However, shark attacks are still considered rare, and people are much more likely to drown than be bitten.

For more on staying safe on Australian beaches, SBS has created a podcast. Click on the below