Brighton Le Sands beach open after shark sighting
A Sydney beach has reopened after a shark nipped through the nets last night, causing swimmers to race from the water as police closed the beach. SEE THE VIDEO HERE.
A Sydney beach has reopened after a shark nipped through the nets last night, causing swimmers to race from the water as police closed the beach.
The shark was filmed swimming close to shore at Lady Robinson Beach in Brighton Le Sands at 6pm Tuesday night, where a net encloses a swimming area popular with children and families.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter took off this morning at Bayside Council’s request to check inside and around the swimming enclosure for the shark.
“Extensive search of the Brighton Le Sands swimming enclosure and surrounds has been completed,” they tweeted.
“No further marine life sighted. Happy to support Bayside Council in keeping our community safe.”
Staff from Bayside Council and SeaDragon, who maintains the nets, arrived at the beach at 5.30am for the so-called “Operation Sharkie”.
“The divers have inspected the nets and located the hole,” the council wrote.
“The hole was repaired this morning and the damaged section taken away for forensic testing.”
Divers dragged the netted area twice to ensure the sea enclosure was as safe as possible.
“Please enjoy this glorious weather down at Brighton!” the council concluded.
Bayside Council maintains 9km of beach, and the fully anchored nets are inspected and maintained monthly by SeaDragon.
Local residents responded in good humour to the shark’s brief visit, which attracted widespread attention on social media last night following the St George Shire Standard’s initial report.
Casey Palma wrote: “The pool is looking good for my lessons.”
“Not as harmful as all the jetskiers,” Mat Hunt added.
“I am always keeping an eye out – lucky the kiddos don’t go further than ankle deep,” Kristy-Lee Russell quipped.
However, local environmental activist Sarah-Jo Lobwein said the pollution was far scarier than the shark.
Ms Lobwein posted alarming photos of piles of plastic rubbish, wet wipes and even used nappies at the beach taken during recent clean-up efforts.
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