Byron Bay: Sharks scare kids out of the sea as school cancels surfing sports program

EXCLUSIVE: The fear of shark attacks has forced a high school at the tourist mecca of Byron Bay to cancel surfing as a sports activity because of an “unacceptable risk” to ­students.

• SURFER ATTACKED BY SHARK AT BROKEN HEAD
• NORTH COAST: SURVEY DEMANDS NETS, CULLING

THE fear of shark attacks has forced a high school at the tourist mecca of Byron Bay to cancel surfing as a sports activity because of an “unacceptable risk” to ­students.

Byron Bay locals have ­serious concerns about the decision not to install shark nets in the area, fearing that the decision will have a devastating economic impact on the state’s most popular summer holiday town.

One business and surfing figure also claimed it may even breach the “duty of care” to surfers and ­swimmers.

The elevated fears at the start of the school holidays in Byron come weeks after the NSW government opted not to put nets at the state’s most popular summer holiday town, although it gave neighbouring Lennox Head, Ballina and Evans Head the green light.

Byron Bay locals have ­serious concerns about the decision not to install shark nets in the area. Picture: Stephen Frink

The “no net” decision for Byron came despite the ­increase in shark incidents in the area and the fact ­that one of NSW’s two most ­recent shark fatalities ­occurred there.

Byron, one of the state’s most popular holiday destinations, attracts 1.7 million visitors a year and the township’s 9000 population swells by thousands every Christmas season.

But Byron Bay High School principal Peter King wrote to parents during the last term, saying: “The school is increasingly worried about the heightened risks associated with ocean- based sports due to increased shark activity on the North Coast. In our opinion there is currently an unacceptable risk associated with these sports for our students and we have taken the decision to cancel these sports for the remainder of this term.

A 3.2m great white shark tagged and released off Sharpes Beach, Ballina.

“It is our hope that by the start of term 1, 2017, we will be able to offer these sports again in a safe environment.”

Byron Bay High student Rhys Stewart, 15, was doing surfing as his school sport activity every Wednesday when it was cancelled.

“I understand why they did it because they have a ­responsibility for us, but it is annoying,” he said. “If they’re not going to put nets in Byron I don’t think they will offer surfing next term either.”

Rhys Stewart, 15, was doing surfing as his school sport activity when it was cancelled. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Ballina surfer and local electrician Adam Goode said the new shark nets offered “peace of mind”.

“You definitely feel safer having them,” he said.

He said it was sad to hear schools in the area would abandon surfing programs.

“There are issues with nets at Byron Bay but I would hate for kids to miss out because they live so close to the ocean they naturally want to be in the water,” he said.

Local surfer Adam Goode is aware of the risk but it won't stop him surfing at Lighthouse Beach, Ballina. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Neil Cameron, a real ­estate agent for LJ Hooker Byron Bay, and president of the area’s Boardriders Club, said the lack of nets had ­potentially massive economic implications.

“Byron Bay is one of the major international tourist destinations on the east coast of Australia and the tourists come with the belief they’re going to be safe in the water,” he said.

“The NSW government and Byron Shire council have an obligation to make sure people coming here are safe. Why net Ballina and Lennox and not Byron?”

Neil Cameron, president of the area’s Boardriders Club, said the lack of nets had ­potentially massive economic implications. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Mr Cameron said Byron businesses were also worried. He said the town had so far weathered the bad publicity because it was not attractive only to beach lovers, but an attack in peak season, could easily change that.

A government spokesperson said the locations of shark nets were chosen after community consultation via stakeholder groups and a feedback survey.

“Byron Shire opposed installation of nets and based on its position, is not part of the trial.”

Local Byron Bay resident Jade Fitzpatrick was attacked by a shark at Broken Head in October.

The elevated fears at the start of the school holidays in Byron come weeks after the NSW government opted not to put nets at the state’s most popular summer holiday town.

THE LETTER SENT TO PARENTS

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I am writing to the parents and caregivers of all students at Byron

Bay High School who take part in ocean based sports in term 4, 2016.

The school is increasingly worried about the heightened risks

associated with ocean based sports due to increased shark activity on

the North Coast. In our opinion there is currently an unacceptable

risk associated with these sports for our students and we have taken

the decision to cancel these sports for the remainder of this term.

We have not taken this decision lightly since we understand the

passion our students have for these activities. It is our hope that by

the start of term 1, 2017 we will be able to offer these sports again

in a safe environment.

Our school will offer alternative activities for your child for the

rest of this term. These activities will be outlined by PDHPE staff in

the next few days. As always we appreciate your understanding and

strong support of the school.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Peter King

Principal

Byron Bay High School

The “no net” decision for Byron came despite the ­increase in shark incidents in the area and the fact ­that one of NSW’s two most ­recent shark fatalities ­occurred there. Picture: AAP