SA beachgoers, lifesavers calls for greater education about shark sirens
Beachgoers and surf lifesavers have labelled SA’s shark warning system as “confusing” amid a recent spate of attacks.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A long-time South Australian beachgoer is calling on better education on what to do when the shark siren is sounded during a fixed wing aerial patrol.
Mum-of-two Jane Leak says she was staying at her family’s beachfront holiday house in Moana last week when the siren was sounded twice within 24 hours.
She said on each occasion the plane left with the siren still sounding and there was confusion about when it was safe to return to the water.
“I was expecting a fly-through … it is always good to swim after the plane has flown over and has been silent,” she said.
“However, once the siren has gone off and I haven’t seen the plane fly over again, I am reluctant to go in.”
Ms Leak, 55, said given the state’s recent spate of shark attacks, it would be helpful if the public had greater clarity around protocols following an aerial shark sighting.
“People were arriving after the siren stopped and seemed confused about what they should be doing and if it was safe to be going in the water,” she said, adding some groups re-entered the water about 30 minutes after the siren was sounded.
Ms Leak suggested simple signage or an education campaign may be helpful.
“At Cottesloe in Western Australia they’ll put up signs at each entry point to the beach, notifying visitors that the beach is closed due to a shark sighting, taking it down when it is deemed safe to swim again,” she said.
“It is really simple but the signage is very clear … I just wonder, given people are feeling a little uneasy, is it time to do something similar here?”
Surf Life Saving SA’s Sean Faulkner, who recommends swimming in a patrolled location, agreed it could be confusing.
He said, as a general rule, it was advised to stay out of the water for at least an hour after a shark siren had been sounded.
“Our direction to clubs is for flags to be taken down and the water to be evacuated,” the lifesaving and emergency operations manager said
“We will then monitor the water area and keep it closed for 60 minutes, or if we have enough visual surveillance to allow us to clear it using other assets, such as a drone or the Wespac helicopter, we can recommence (swimming) earlier.
“The confusion happens during the week when our (volunteer) lifesavers aren’t on … sometimes the aircraft will sound the siren and then fly off which can be a bit confusing for people.”
Mr Faulkner said his organisation had called for a review of shark mitigation strategies and was now working collaboratively with state government and other stakeholders.
“We believe that a holistic review is necessary to make sure we are providing the best coverage,” he said.
Fixed wing aerial patrols have been used in summer to monitor the state’s highest risk beaches for the past two decades, flying between North Haven and Rapid Bay and between Victor Harbor and the mouth of the River Murray.
“In the event of a sighting that may pose a risk to the public, the fixed wing aircraft will fly continuous orbits over the area and sound a siren, at which time people should immediately leave the water,” a SES spokesman said.
“The fixed wing shark patrol program is reviewed following each season, with arrangements discussed and confirmed with stakeholders prior to recommencement the following year.”
Renewed discussion on shark protection plans in SA has been prompted by the attack of a 64-year-old teacher, Murray Adams, at a popular surfing spot in Elliston on Tuesday, January 9.
Following the scare, one Yorke Peninsula councillor is calling for shark culling to be considered.
The attack came just over a week after 15-year-old Khai Cowley was killed by a shark at Ethel Wreck on the Yorke Peninsula.
Meanwhile, District Council of Elliston councillor Fiona Matthews said the town was still coming to terms with the death of local teacher Simon Baccanello, 46, who was killed by a shark while surfing at Walkers Rock beach last May.
“It’s still pretty fresh for everyone, pretty raw, and this is just going to bring back memories,” Ms Matthews said.
Huge heroin haul uncovered in alleged Adelaide Airport bust
A South Australian man has been charged with drug smuggling after authorities spotted black liquid oozing from his suitcase as he arrived home from overseas.
The South Aussies leading the way in science and innovation
South Australians are leading the way in research and innovation from quantum detection to wildlife recovery. Meet the scientists making breakthroughs that are set to change the world.