Yorke Peninsula swimmers vow to keep splashing despite shark attack death of Khai Cowley, 15

Marion Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is usually buzzing at this time of year.

For a seaside town known for its great waves, friendly locals and pristine beaches, there was an eerie feeling in the air at Marion Bay on Friday.

As news broke on Thursday afternoon that a young surfer had been taken by a shark while his father watched on from the shore of Ethel Beach, locals and tourists alike were reminded of the dangers that live beneath the water they so often enjoy spending time in.

On Friday morning, dozens of people visited the rocks above where 15-year-old Khai Cowley lost his life in the ocean, paying their respects and leaving flowers in his memory.

The young surfer, who competed across the state and inspired so many people on his way, has been remembered as a “good, kind soul” who didn’t deserve such a tragic ending.

Young Khai Cowley lost his life at this surf break at Ethel Beach on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Surfer Khai Cowley, 15, was fatally attacked by a shark at Ethel Beach. Picture: Facebook

But among the sadness, the shock and the trauma, visitors and locals around Innes National Park and Marion Bay have remained hopeful that they can continue to enjoy the place they all love, in Khai’s memory.

Sean Hanna, who has enjoyed living on the Yorke Peninsula for more than four decades, said he was increasingly concerned parents would use Khai’s horrific death as an excuse to keep their kids inside this summer.

“That would be the biggest tragedy of all,” Mr Hanna told The Advertiser.

“I’m worried that this means they won’t be outdoors enjoying the ocean, where they belong.

Sean Hanna’s biggest fear is that kids will stop enjoying the ocean. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

“My kids grew up in the sea, and my boy would be out surfing in it morning and night if you’d let him.

“He’s seen some sharks in his time, but he’s always come home. My grandchildren now regularly enjoy the beach with the same enthusiasm.”

Across the Park, each beach has its unique feel – visitors are still keen to gaze across the breathtaking views from the clifftops above the water, but very few have gone in.

It might be the wind, or the cooler air, but a lot of them are taking an extra step of caution before they dive in head first.

Nothing but footprints sit across the sand at Ethel Beach, with the remnants of a heart shape carved into the surface the only sign that a tragedy has unfolded there.

Someone has walked through the middle of it, signifying the community’s communal heartbreak for Khai’s family and friends left behind.

The warning signs leading down to Ethel Beach. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

For one woman visiting from Adelaide, who didn’t want her name published, there’s not a lot that would stop her from at least enjoying the shallows at a beach nearby.

“I think it’s incredibly sad, but I’m still comfortable to go out and have a swim,” she told The Advertiser.

“I’ve just been out and I stuck to the clear shallow areas, but it’s not something I’m overly worried about.

“It can happen anywhere, so I’ll still try and enjoy the time I’ve got here.”

Sheidow Park resident Adam James has spent his Friday afternoon playing in the water at Marion Bay with his family.

Mr James said the news – as tragic as it is – wasn’t at all tempting him to go home and keep his kids inside.

“You can’t go in there expecting a shark to attack you,” he said, with his kids Nixon, 7, and Lexington, 5 readying their snorkels by his side.

Adam James of Sheidow Park SA with his children Nixon 7, and Lexington, 5 are still enjoying the water. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

“We’re here to have a nice time, and the kids just love being in the water, so I don’t see why we shouldn’t go out and have fun.

“Everyone loves the beach, but it is the shark’s playground. As long as you’re cautious I don’t see a problem with it.”

Mr James’ partner, Ashleigh, said she had a hard time falling asleep after the news broke last night but she was grateful her kids were alright.

“Every time I woke up and started worrying, I reminded myself that my two babies are okay, and that put my mind at ease,” she said.

People are still enjoying a drink at the local Marion Bay Tavern after their big days out across the Park, and while the talk might be sadder than normal, the view is just as beautiful.

“It’s a real, real tragedy,” Mr Hanna said.

“But please, buy your kids a boogie board, buy them a surf board and take them to the beach. To make them sit inside instead just makes no sense at all.”

Originally published as Yorke Peninsula swimmers vow to keep splashing despite shark attack death of Khai Cowley, 15