Swim safely this summer

With the summer school holidays now upon us, more people will be enjoying our beaches and swimmers are being reminded to take care and follow simple safety tips to reduce the risk of shark attack.  

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development, Bill Byrne said while shark control equipment was in place to reduce the possibility of shark attack, it was not an impenetrable barrier.

“It’s important that swimmers remain aware of the risk of sharks and take care in any open body of water, wherever they swim,” the Minister said.

“You should always swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags so you can be alerted, or assisted, if a shark is spotted.

“Swimmers also should consider where and when they swim.

“Sharks are known to be most active after dusk, at night or before dawn. Bull sharks tend to move to the upper reaches of natural waterways to breed at the start of each year. Therefore it is likely bull shark populations will increase in canals and lakes during the summer period.”

Advice to public

• Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches and between the flags
• Obey lifesavers’ and lifeguards’ advice, and heed all sign and safety warnings
• Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted
• Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night or before dawn when sharks are most active
• Do not swim or surf in murky waters
• Do not swim in or near mouths of estuaries, artificial canals and lakes
• Never swim alone
• Never swim when bleeding
• Do not swim near schools of fish or where fish are being cleaned
• Do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment
• Do not swim with animals.

For more information on shark control in Queensland, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

ENDS

Media contact: 0417 768 626