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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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Stay informed with near real-time shark activity alerts and beach safety information.


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  2. Staying Safe
  3. Surfing
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Safety tips for surfers

Stay SharkSmart when surfing in Western Australia

Safety tips for surfers

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

  • Always surf with a mate

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

  • Be prepared. Have a first aid kit in case of emergency. Enrol in the Surfers Rescue 365 course to learn life saving skills

  • Avoid large schools of fish, seals, seal 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 surf with a bleeding or open wound

  • Surf in clear water where you have good visibility

  • Avoid surfing near sandbars, deep channels or areas with steep drop-offs nearby

  • Use an approved shark deterrent device

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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 & aerial surveillance
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Shark monitoring network

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.

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Notification systems

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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.
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Snorkelling and diving safety tips
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Aerial view of surfers paddling on turquoise waves near the shore, creating white surf patterns and vibrant splashes in the ocean.
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© Tourism Western Australia
Aerial view of surfers paddling on turquoise waves near the shore, creating white surf patterns and vibrant splashes in the ocean.
© Tourism Western Australia
Aerial view of surfers paddling on turquoise waves near the shore, creating white surf patterns and vibrant splashes in the ocean.
© Tourism Western Australia

Did you know?

The Western Australian Government offers a $200 rebate on scientifically proven and approved personal shark deterrent devices that can significantly reduce your chances of encountering a shark.

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Shark deterrent rebate
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Be prepared

Enrol in the Surfers Rescue 365 course to learn potentially life saving skills.

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Notification system video (from infographic)

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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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