Coast Guard volunteer warns swimmers about bull sharks in Boat Harbour

A shark increase has sparked a warning from an official from the Coast Guard to families and youngsters to be cautious swimming in a popular boat harbour on Brisbane’s bayside.

Photo of a bull shark. Picture: File

A BRISBANE Coast Guard volunteer has warned families and youngsters to be cautious swimming around a popular boat harbour during the Easter school holidays because of an increase in bull sharks.

Harvey Shore from the Coast Guard at Manly said he always saw a lot of children swimming in the area during school holidays and wanted to alert locals and visitors to the risks that lurk in the water around the Manly Boat Harbour.

“We had a diver, who cleans the bottom of boats, come and do some work on our boat recently,” Mr Shore said.

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“When he finished I asked him if he saw any bull sharks down there, expecting him to say one or two. But he said he saw dozens.

“We haven’t had anyone get bitten yet but I worry that it may not be far away if people aren’t careful.

“I just want people to know the risks and if they still choose to swim there, that’s their choice.”

The State Government has also urged skippers to take extra care with children on board their boats during the holiday period.

Generic picture of two men fishing in an aluminium boat. Picture: Supplied

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said children were more adventurous and less aware of risks than adults.

“This adds to boaties’ responsibilities who must ensure the safety of their passengers and others on the water,” Mr Bailey said.

“Ensuring there’s a lifejacket on board for everyone, and they all know where they are and how to use them, should be foremost in the minds of all skippers.”

Mr Bailey said skippers of open boats less than 4.8 metres long were required by law to make sure all passengers younger than 12 years were wearing life jackets whenever the vessel was underway.

Moreton Bay boat fire. Picture: Queensland Police Service

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Maritime Safety Queensland marine inspectors, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrols and Queensland Water Police will increase patrols during the holidays.

“They’ll be looking out for boaties and jet ski riders who exceed the .05 alcohol limit, speed in six-knot zones or fail to keep their distance from swimmers and paddlers,” he said.

Mr Shore said the Coast Guard always encouraged boaties to do three things before going out on the water.

“Make sure you have all the safety equipment and know the rules and how to use them, if you are going out make sure you have a trip plan and let someone know and the last thing is check your boat before going out,” he said.

“Also make sure you have some way of contacting the Coast Guard or Water Police. Make sure your radio is on VHF Channel 16 and if you have a mobile, the numbers are 112 or 911.”

For more information on safe boating, visit msq.qld.gov.au