Surf lifesavers call for a ‘shark central’ hub after several attacks across NSW
LIFESAVERS are calling for a dedicated multi-agency shark hub after revealing they have been run ragged by a spate of attacks across the state.
NSW
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LIFESAVERS are calling for a dedicated multi-agency shark hub after revealing they have been run ragged by a spate of attacks across the state.
Surf Life Saving NSW’s volunteer services have been in high demand due to increased shark sightings, as outlined in a submission to the Senate’s inquiry into shark mitigation and deterrents. Call-outs to the lifesavers’ emergency response system increased by a massive 438.4 per cent last year from the previous year, and overall by 61.5 per cent in the past two years.
Surf Life Saving NSW acting operations manager Andy Kent said they risked becoming a “shark patrol” without a plan.
The volunteer organisation will recommend turning their operations centre at Belrose into shark central as part of a joint submission with the Australian Lifeguard Service NSW.
They will also call for a full review of the state government’s shark incident response plan.
“We do have a lot to offer, we do want to be involved. We don’t have to be in charge but if that’s the direction, we’re happy to take on that responsibility,” he said.
The recommendations follow a “horrendous” spate of shark attacks in 2015, including the death of Japanese surfer Tadashi Nakahara after he was mauled by a great white at Ballina.
Volunteer lifesavers were regularly called upon to investigate shark sightings as a result.
“Every time there was a shark sighting, they would get tasked because the public were rightly a bit spooked because there was a spate of encounters during a time. They were basically out there chasing ghosts,” Mr Kent said.
North Bondi lifesaver Peter McKerracher said he and his fellow volunteers had been working overtime investigating shark sightings at the famous beach.
“As soon as we have two confirmed sightings .. we sound the sirens ... and clear the water.’’
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