Safety tips

How can the risk of shark attack be reduced?

While shark attacks are exceptionally rare events, there is a risk inherent in swimming in any waterway. The only way that you can 100% guarantee you will not have a shark encounter is not to go into the water.

The fact is that the marine environment is a shark’s territory. Sharks are a natural part of the environment, and when we enter the water, even some freshwater rivers connected to the sea, we are entering the shark’s domain – not a swimming pool.

No program or combinations of programs can ever totally eliminate the risk of a shark attack.

One of the simplest things swimmers can do is to stay between the flags when swimming at the beach. This is the best place to swim because the area is patrolled and observed by lifesavers and lifeguards who are there to ensure the safety of swimmers.

Other steps to minimise the risk of shark attack when swimming include:

• Don’t swim too far from shore – this will isolate you
• Swim in groups as sharks are more likely to attack an individual
• Avoid swimming when it’s dark or during twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a sensory advantage
• Avoid murky water, waters with known effluents or sewerage and areas that are used by recreational or commercial fishers
• Avoid areas with signs of baitfish or fish feeding activity – diving seabirds are a good indicator of such activity
• Do not rely on sightings of dolphins to indicate the absence of sharks – both often feed together on the same food
• Exercise caution when swimming in water between sandbars or near steep drop offs – these are favourite hangouts for sharks
• Do not swim near or interfere with shark nets.