Facing a shark while swimming? Here's what to do

Australia has thousands of kilometres of spectacular coastline, and a trip to the beach for a swim is a much-celebrated part of the lifestyle – whether to cool off, keep fit, or to socialise. Being aware of beach safety is vital to minimise the risk of getting into trouble in the water. This includes understanding the threat that sharks pose to minimise the chance of encountering a shark and being aware of shark behaviour, so you know how to react to stay safe.

Sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and having a better understanding of them can reduce the risk of a shark encounter. Credit: Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61

Key Points

• Sharks are apex predators which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
• Following beach safety guidelines and swimming at patrolled beaches can minimise the risk of a shark incident.
• Encountering a shark in the water can be a frightening experience, but it's essential to remain calm and back away slowly.

Australia's rich marine ecosystem harbours numerous shark species like the Great White Shark, Tiger Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Bull Shark, and various reef sharks.

These creatures preserve marine health and balance, acting as apex predators and scavengers.

As shark scientist Dr Paul Butcher explains, having a better awareness and understanding of sharks and their behaviour can reduce the risk of a shark encounter.

“Sharks are at the top of the marine food chain. They help control populations of prey species, preventing the overpopulation of some marine organisms and maintaining species diversity - indirectly influencing the entire food web.”

Understanding shark behaviour

As part of his role as a Principal Research Scientist with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Dr Butcher’s research focuses on providing a scientific base for a better protection program to minimise the risk of shark interactions for those going to the beach.

It's essential to recognise the importance of these creatures in maintaining the health of our oceans and the broader environment. Despite their intimidating appearance, sharks are truly wondrous animals that deserve our respect and protection.

Dr Paul Butcher

A shark seen from the Surf Life Saving aerial surveillance helicopter – Image: Surf Life Saving Australia.

Dr Butcher says that in New South Wales, white sharks can be seen in relatively greater abundance along the coast between May and November each year, bull sharks from October to May and tiger sharks at any time of the year.

“Sharks are present in NSW waters all year, with White Sharks present over a wide range of sea surface temperatures and Bull Sharks present when water temperatures are above 20 degrees. White sharks are more likely to be present within a kilometre of our coast in the middle of the day from about 11 am, while bull sharks are most likely to be present throughout the afternoon from midday and throughout the night.”

To minimise the risk of a shark incident, Dr Butcher says there are some important beach safety guidelines to follow.

Only swim at patrolled beaches and stay between the flags, because surf lifesavers and lifeguards are there to monitor beach and water conditions and maximise the safety of all beach goers. Try to avoid surfing by yourself or when there are plenty of baitfish and diving birds about.

Dr Paul Butcher

Dr Paul Butcher – Image: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.

Beach safety

Dr Jaz Lawes, an impact ecologist and beach safety researcher who leads the research team at Surf Life Saving Australia, explains that beach safety has other aspects.

The best advice to reduce the risk of being bitten by a shark are to avoid swimming after dusk, during night or before dawn. We also recommend to swim with a buddy, that is to avoid swimming alone.

Dr Jaz Lawes

If you’re in the ocean and a shark does approach you, it’s essential to remain calm.

“Depending on the situation, you can observe and respond to a shark's behaviour. If it appears excited or agitated, exhibiting quick, jerky movements or other erratic behaviour, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible. Try to minimise splashing and noise, and do not provoke a shark.”

Dr Paul Butcher says it's essential to remember that shark attacks are relatively rare. However, it’s wise to be prepared and know how to respond.

Lifesavers on patrol at the beach – Image: Surf Life Saving Australia.

“If you need to move, do so slowly and smoothly. Try to back away while maintaining eye contact. Make sure you don't turn your back on the shark. Try to stay vertical in the water as sharks typically attack from below, so reducing your profile can be helpful. If you're with others, gather in a group as sharks may be less likely to attack a larger group of people.”

There are also personal shark deterrent devices available, and Dr Butcher says whilst none of the products are 100% effective, they can potentially reduce interactions with sharks.

Australia is fortunate to have Surf Life Saving Australia’s extensive nationally integrated network of surf lifesavers and lifeguards protecting beachgoers.

“Surf lifesavers and lifeguard keep a lookout for sharks with binoculars from the beach, and some may also use specialised surveillance techniques such as drones or helicopters. If they spot a shark, they will sound a siren or ring a bell, put up a red and white flag and ask you to leave the water immediately.”

Impact ecologist and beach safety researcher Dr Jaz Lawes from Surf Life Saving Australia – Image: Surf Life Saving Australia.

Research and conservation

Some of Australia’s state and territory governments have a variety of strategies to reduce shark incidents, from shark tagging and monitoring programs, drum lines and shark net installation to the use of drones and helicopters for aerial surveillance.

The New South Wales Government’s shark tagging program is estimated to be the largest in

the world. Dr Butcher says that the tagging of sharks can mean beachgoers can receive real-time alerts if there are tagged sharks in the water.

“Sharks tagged by our contractors are fitted with external acoustic and identification tags. All acoustically tagged sharks can then be detected on the network of 37 real-time tagged shark listening stations on the NSW coast.”

When a shark swims within 500 metres of one of the listening stations, an instant alert is sent to the SharkSmart app. Similar apps exist in some other jurisdictions, including the SharkSmart WA app.

Shark conservation is essential, so remembering to be alert but not alarmed and showing respect for these apex predators of the seas is vital, says Dr Butcher.

“Sharks have captured the imagination of people worldwide, especially first nations people for thousands of years. This cultural fascination has contributed to increased awareness and interest in marine conservation - which is important.”

It is crucial to be prepared and know how to respond in case of a shark encounter in the water. Source: Moment RF / Khaichuin Sim/Getty Images

Top tips for staying safe when swimming at the beach:

• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
• Supervise children at all times on, in and around water
• Stay out of the water with bleeding cuts or wounds.
• It's best to swim, dive or surf with other people.
• Do not consume alcohol or drugs while around water
• Seek the advice of surf lifesavers or lifeguards
• Avoid areas with signs of bait fish or fish feeding activity; diving seabirds are a good indicator of fish activity.
• Dolphins do not indicate the absence of sharks; both often feed together on the same food, and sharks are known to eat dolphins.
• Consider using a personal deterrent.
• Know your limits and the conditions.
• Contact your local Surf Life Saving club to become a volunteer
• Visit BeachSafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe app to learn more.