Be shark-smart this summer

BEACHGOERS, swimmers, surfers, anglers and divers are being encouraged to be sharks-mart this summer by following six basic steps.

Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive officer Travis Dowling said sharks are a natural part of a healthy marine environment and while the risk of an attack is extremely low, there are simple things everyone can do to further reduce the odds of an unwanted encounter.

“When people get into the water to swim, surf, dive or fish, they are entering the shark’s natural environment and so should be mindful and make good choices,” Mr Dowling said.

That’s made easier by remembering these tips:

• Always swim, dive or surf with a friend.
• Keep informed of the latest sightings at emergency.vic.gov.au
• Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches where possible
• Watch for signs of unusual behaviour in wildlife or fish. These can indicate that a shark is in the area
• Help others be informed And avoid areas that attract sharks such as:
• Where natural food sources of sharks live, for example, seals
• Where fishing waste is being disposed of
• Places where human and animal waste enters the water.

Learn more at vfa.vic.gov.au/shark-smart.

Mr Dowling said that if beachgoers see a shark close to shore they should ring Victoria Police on 000, or notify lifesavers immediately if at a patrolled beach, to report its location and its distance from shore.

“That information is relayed to the VicEmergency website and smart phone app so it can be shared quickly with anyone using our beautiful beaches,” Mr Dowling said.

“If the beach is patrolled by lifesavers, they will alert swimmers and potentially close the beach altogether if appropriate.”

Mr Dowling said it had been 30 years since a death had occurred from a shark attack in Victoria.