Reducing the risk of shark interactions
The risk of shark attack is extremely low. Take the following steps to minimise the risk of human and shark interactions:
- Do not swim in areas where there are:
- large schools of fish
- pods of dolphins
- seals
- sea lions.
- Do not enter the water if large sharks are known to be present and leave the water immediately and calmly if a shark is sighted.
- Do not swim alone or too far from shore.
- Avoid the water at dawn, dusk or at night, when some species of shark are known to come inshore to feed.
- Always swim at patrolled beaches and stay between the flags.
- Avoid swimming and scuba diving in water that is being used by recreational or commercial fishers, and areas where there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity.
- Do not swim in:
- murky waters
- near a river mouth, after heavy rainfall
- in deep channels
- between sand bars or steep drop-offs.
- Do not enter or remain in the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding.
- Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty.
- Leave the water if schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers.
- Refrain from excessive splashing and avoid having pets in the water with you.
Staying safe at the beach
For more information on safe beach swimming, visit the Beachsafe website.