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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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  5. Spearfishing
Spearfisher swims over a reef, underwater with sun shining through surface.
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Safety tips for spearfishers

Stay SharkSmart when spearfishing in Western Australia

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Safety tips for surfers

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

  • Always spearfish with a mate

  • Be prepared. Have a first aid kit in case of emergency and consider first aid training

  • Don’t carry dead or bleeding fish, or have the fish attached to your body

  • Aim to kill your fish quickly — bring your catch to the surface and remove from the water quickly

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

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

  • Spearfish in clear water where you have good visibility

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

  • Don’t feed, touch or provoke sharks

  • Stay alert of your surroundings. If you see a shark, stay calm, consider releasing your catch and leave the water

  • If the SLSWA helicopter hovers overhead and sounds the siren, exit the water immediately. Stay out of the water for at least an hour and check the SharkSmart WA app for sighting information

  • Don’t fish or clean your fish in areas where people swim

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Safety tools

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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 and aerial surveillance
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Two people swimming underwater in clear blue sea, sunlight creating ripples on the sandy bottom.
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Swimming Safety Tips
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Two snorkelers swim over a vibrant coral reef, with clear blue water and brown seaweed below.
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Snorkelling and Diving Safety Tips
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Safety

Stay safe at the beach

Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, and always check for warning signs before entering the water.

Safety Guidelines

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

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.

Spearfisher surfacing into sunlight
© iStock/Philip Thurston
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Spearfisher surfacing into sunlight
© iStock/Philip Thurston
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River Safety Tips
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Emergency

Report shark sightings immediately

Your quick report to Water Police on 9442 8600 can help save lives by alerting other water users to potential dangers in your area.

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Technology

Advanced monitoring systems

WA uses satellite tags, drone surveillance, and acoustic receivers to track shark movements and provide early warnings to beachgoers.

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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.

Report Now
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Mobile App

SharkSmart on your phone

Get instant push notifications about shark activity, beach closures and safety alerts. Track tagged sharks in real-time on the interactive map.

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