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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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  1. Home
  2. Staying Safe
  3. Snorkelling and Diving
Five snorkelers in wetsuits swim in clear turquoise ocean waters, with flippers visible, exploring beneath the surface near a dark coral formation.

Safety tips for snorkellers and divers

Stay SharkSmart whilst snorkelling and diving in Western Australia

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Stay SharkSmart while snorkelling or diving

  • Check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity before heading to the beach

  • Take note of the BEN sign at your beach access point

  • Always snorkel or dive with a buddy

  • Have a plan with your buddy — agree on hand signals, entering and exiting the water and separation procedures

  • Snorkel and dive in clear water where you have good visibility

  • Avoid diving in deep channels or areas with steep drop-offs nearby

  • Don’t feed, touch or provoke sharks

  • Avoid large schools of fish, seals, sea lions and bird rookeries

  • If marine life starts to behave erratically, leave the water

  • Stay alert of your surroundings. If you see a shark, stay calm, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible

  • Don't snorkel or dive in areas where people fish, or clean fish

  • Be prepared — have a first aid kit in case of emergency

Safety tools

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Beach & aerial surveillance
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Beach Emergency Numbers
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SharkSmart WA app
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Warning towers
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Shark monitoring network
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Notification system video (from infographic)

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Introduction

Always check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity — reported sightings, tagged shark detections or shark attractants — before heading to the beach.

When you arrive at the beach, check for beach closure or warning signs. If there has been a recent reported shark sighting, tagged shark detection or shark attractant — for example, whale carcass — the land manager or surf life savers may install signage.

Two snorkelers swim over a vibrant coral reef, with clear blue water and brown seaweed below.

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Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples’ lives.

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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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Shark activity map
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Two snorkelers swim over a vibrant coral reef, with clear blue water and brown seaweed below.
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recreational boating
© iStock/Karel Stipek
Recreational boating and fishing safety tips
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