Shark sightings off SA beaches rise dramatically in 2017

SHARK sightings off our beaches are at a four-year high and have nearly doubled compared to the past three years. Wondering where to be wary? We’ve plotted all the sightings on a map.

THE number of shark sightings off our beaches is at a four-year high.

There have been 62 shark sightings in South Australia since October 1, up 21 (nearly 50 per cent) on the same time last year and more than doubling the sightings in 2014 and 2015.

The majority of the sightings in December 2017 did not identify in the shark — but seven were confirmed to be great whites.

This marks a change in the type of shark typically seen close to South Australian beaches — far more bronze whaler sharks were identified in previous years.

The majority of sightings were in the afternoon and were spread around the state.

Sita Bacher, a spokeswoman for Surf Life Saving South Australia, said the increase in sightings should not deter people from attending the beach over summer.

“With such a nice sunny start to summer, our beaches have been busier than the last few years and when more people are on the beach we have more shark sightings,” Ms Bacher said.

“The statistics we have seen this year are slightly higher than average but they are not cause for public alarm.

“There have been a couple of instances recently where sharks have come in quite close to shore but we have no reason to believe that it is a pattern or that there is a scarcity of food that is influencing their behaviour.

“If you are worried about sharks, the safest thing to do is swim at a beach patrolled by surf lifesavers and stay between the red and yellow flags as this area is under constant surveillance by trained surf lifesavers.”

Ms Bacher said people should not forget how dangerous sharks can be, and their first priority upon spotting one should be alerting lifeguards and swimmers, rather than filming it on their phones.

Shane Daw on the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. Picture: Sarah Reed

A Primary Industries and Regions South Australia spokeswoman said sharks play a crucial part in a healthy marine ecosystem, and the great white shark was an endangered species that is protected by law.

“It is not uncommon for sharks to be sighted all year round although they tend to be more frequent in the warmer months,” the PIRSA spokeswoman said.

“PIRSA has noticed an increase in the number of shark reportings. This could be due to many factors including people reporting the same shark or the same shark frequenting the same area over a period of time.”

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter patrols on Saturday and Sunday, while the shark spotter place is operational along large swathes of the coast every day during school holidays.

A great white shark — the species most commonly responsible for fatal attacks in Australia.

SHARK SIGHTINGS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WATERS

October 1 to December 23:

2017: 62

2016: 41

2015: 29

2014: 29

2013: 61

TOP 4 SHARK SAFETY TIPS

1. Do not swim alone and stay close to the shore.

2. Avoid the water at dawn, dusk or at night, when some species of shark are known to come inshore to feed.

3. If you notice schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically, leave the water.

4. If a shark is sighted in the area, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible.

A school of sharks circling from above. Picture: Getty Images

20 WAYS TO AVOID A SHARK ATTACK

1. Swim at beaches that are patrolled by surf life savers and stay between the red and yellow flags. Lifesavers will watch over you while you swim and assist you in an emergency.

2. Do not wear shiny swimwear or accessories and try to wear bland, darker colours.

3. Do not enter the water where dangerous sharks commonly gather.

4. Avoid swimming, surfing or kayaking alone. Larger groups of people may deter a shark attack. Also, if someone is attacked they need to have someone help them get to shore.

5. Do not swim in cloudy or turbid water. Sharks do not always have a good sense of sight and they may attack because they think you are prey.

6. Be aware of entering the water after a storm or heavy rainfall. Baitfish may have been stirred up and they will attract hungry sharks.

7. Don’t swim near drop-offs to deeper water or river mouths. Sharks tend to inhabit these regions.

8. Leave the water quickly and calmly if fish begin to gather in large schools, jump out of the water or behave erratically. These could be reactions from a predatory shark feeding nearby.

9. Avoid excessive splashing and move smoothly in the water.

10. Check deep water carefully before jumping in from a boat.

11. Avoid swimming or surfing at dawn, dusk or night. These are typically the feeding times for a lot of sharks.

12. Don’t wander too far from shore. Doing so isolates you and places you away from assistance.

13. Don’t enter the water if bleeding. Sharks can smell and taste blood, and trace it back to its source.

14. Don’t go into waters containing sewage. Sewage attracts bait fishes, which in turn attract sharks.

15. Avoid waters being fished and those with lots of bait fishes. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such activities.

16. Avoid an uneven tan and brightly coloured clothing. Sharks see contrast particularly well, so use extra caution when waters are cloudy.

17. Don’t take music devices in to the water with you the sound waves travel through water and can attract curious sharks. This applies to headphones also.

18. Check the beachsafe app, signage or ask a local to find out if sharks have been sighted in the area recently.

19. Don’t swim with pets or other animals such as seals or dolphins.

20. If attacked by a shark, the general rule is “Do whatever it takes to get away!” Some people have successfully chosen to be aggressive, others passive. Some yelled underwater, others blew bubbles.