Shark at Aspendale beach: people told to clear out of the water

Swimmers at Aspendale beach were forced to flee the water after lifesavers spotted a 1.5m shark close to the shore.

A shark sighting forced swimmers to flee the water at Aspendale beach in Melbourne’s southeast.

Lifesavers spotted the 1.5m shark close to the shore on Friday afternoon and issued an emergency warning for people to get out of the water.

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service was called to inspect.

Lifeguards on jetskis entered the water and were able to confirm the shark was in the bay at 2.50pm.

#SHARK: #Lifesaver31 has spotted a 1.5m shark at Aspendale beach. Swimmers advised to exit the water. @LifeSavingVic RWC lifeguards also on scene. @VicFisheries @EMV_news @kingstoncc

— Westpac Helicopters (@LSVWestpacHeli) January 8, 2021

Life saver chopper hovering over Aspendale Beach siren also going on and off. Appears a shark is in the water. @9NewsMelb #breaking @3AW693 #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/Z8o2m5PXkK

— Matt C (@91Crofty) January 8, 2021

As a precaution, swimmers were then asked to evacuate the water.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority was notified and determined the shark did not pose a threat.

At 4.37pm, swimmers were given the all clear to return to the water.

Lifesaving Victoria director Kane Treloar said although rare, sharks attacks could be deadly.

A young girl plays on the beach with an inflatable shark after the earlier sighting of a real shark. Picture: David Caird

“If you do spot a shark, leave the water immediately and report it by calling triple-0. If you are at a patrolled beach, notify lifesavers and follow their directions,” he said.

He said sharks are a normal part of the marine environment.

“The best advice is to be alert but not alarmed,” he said.

“Always swim between the red and yellow flags and avoid dirty or discoloured waters. Never swim never river mouths or stormwater outlets after rain and avoid entering the water after dusk at night or before dawn.”

A Victorian Fisheries Authority spokeswoman said the 1.5 metre shark was believed to be a blue shark.

It was sighted about 200 metres off Aspendale Beach shortly before 3pm.

“Swimmers were evacuated from the water and a warning was issued through the VicEmergency app in response,” she said.

“Fisheries Officers are on scene liaising with Lifesaving Victoria members who also have jet skis in the water monitoring the situation.”