By Sarah Brookes
A shark warning has been issued for Blackwall Reach in the Swan River after a paddler was reportedly knocked off their board on Saturday morning.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the paddler was not hurt in the incident which occurred just after 8am near Blackwall Reach in the City of Melville.
A paddler has been knocked off their surf ski on the Swan River. Credit: iStock
Officers from DPIRD are monitoring the situation.
A shark barrier was installed at Bicton Baths in the Swan River after teenager Stella Berry died two years ago in the river’s first fatal attack in 100 years.
She had jumped into the river to swim with dolphins. The fatality sparked a Fisheries review into the risk bull sharks presented to river users after DNA testing confirmed the species was responsible for the attack.
In 2021, a suspected bull shark attacked swimmer Cameron Wrathall at Blackwall Reach. He required emergency surgery for a deep bite to his thigh.
What to do:
- Take additional caution in the Blackwall Reach, Swan River area.
- Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
- Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X (formerly Twitter).
- If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and @SLSWA on X.
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