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Government of Western Australia
Acknowledgement of Country

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country, the Aboriginal people of the many lands that we work on and their language groups throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters.

We respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of our regions and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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Sandy beach with scattered rocks and grass patches, a sign with BSN250, and a tree on the right beside a calm sea.
© DPIRD • Source: DPIRD

Staying safe

Our shark safety initiatives allow the community to keep informed and help reduce the risk of a shark encounter.

Safety systems

Tagged detections

Shark detections occur when a shark with an acoustic tag swims within range of a receiver.

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Shark sightings

Public shark sighting reports are vital for authorities to issue timely public safety warnings.

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Incident response

Safer beaches start with all of us — working together, prepared for every situation.

Play your part
Shark attractants

Schooling fish, whale carcasses, and sea lion habitats naturally attract sharks.

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Safety tools

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Shark deterrent devices
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Beach Emergency Numbers
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SharkSmart WA app
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Warning towers
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Beach enclosures
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Shark monitoring network

Safety tips by activity

Swimming
Surfing
Snorkelling and diving
Recreational boating and fishing
Spearfisher surfacing into sunlightSpearfisher surfacing into sunlight
River and estuary River and estuary

Notification systems

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A family enjoys swimming in clear turquoise waters with boats anchored in the distance under a bright blue sky.
© Tourism Western Australia
Swimming safety tips
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Five snorkelers in wetsuits swim in clear turquoise ocean waters, with flippers visible, exploring beneath the surface near a dark coral formation.
© Tourism Western Australia
Snorkelling and diving safety tips
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Two people kayaking in an orange kayak on a calm lake, with boats and houses on a tree-lined shore in the background.
© Tourism Western Australia
River safety tips
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Swimming
Swimming
© Tourism Western Australia
Swimming
Surfing
Surfing
© Tourism Western Australia
Surfing
Snorkelling and diving
Snorkelling and diving
© Tourism Western Australia
Snorkelling and diving
Recreational boating and fishing
Recreational boating and fishing
© Tourism Western Australia
Recreational boating and fishing
Spearfisher surfacing into sunlight
© Philip Thurston / iStock
Spearfishing
River and estuary
© Tourism Western Australia
River and estuary
Learn more
Notification system (from infographic)

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Five snorkelers in wetsuits swim in clear turquoise ocean waters, with flippers visible, exploring beneath the surface near a dark coral formation.
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