Shark’s shallow pursuit rattles locals

A SHARK that bit a teenager at Cabarita Beach and followed rescuers into ankle-deep water has left the local community on edge.

The brazen nature of the attack, combined with ongoing sightings, has fuelled fresh concern among swimmers and surfers a week on.

The 16-year-old victim is recovering from his injuries following the dramatic rescue, which left beachgoers alarmed by how close the predator came to shore.

Authorities described the proximity as unusual, but not unheard of during winter migration and periods of increased fish activity.

Associate professor of environmental science Daryl McPhee said it was not uncommon to see bull sharks in very shallow water.

“While it is not an everyday occurrence, it is not unusual for bull sharks to be in very shallow water, so I am not surprised by it,” McPhee said.

“I have observed similarly sized sharks that close to shore in southern Queensland and northern NSW.”

A spokesperson for Tweed Shire Council said it was aware of growing concern about the frequency of shark sightings and attacks on the NSW North Coast.

In December 2024, mayor Chris Cherry put forward a motion for the council to continue supporting drones, SMART drum lines and tagged shark listening stations in the Shire, including a request for additional mitigation drone hours in areas south of the Shire such as Pottsville and Black Rock. The motion was carried.

The NSW Government’s 2024-25 Shark Management Program includes 37 listening stations and 305 SMART drumlines along the coast, as well as a drone surveillance partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW.

McPhee said beachgoers should continue to take precautions when entering the water.

“You should swim between the flags and obey instructions from surf lifesavers and local authorities,” he said.

“Avoid entering the water when there is heightened marine ecology activity, including the presence of schooling fish and feeding seabirds.

“It should also be remembered that the risk of a shark bite is extremely low – you are 20 times more likely to drown at a surfing beach than be killed by a shark.”

Tweed Shire Council said it would continue to work with Surf Life Saving NSW and NSW Fisheries to support local marine safety programs.