Surf lifesavers use drones to spot sharks and wildlife off our beaches. Photo: SLS Illawarra.
Beachgoers are urged to take extra care in the water after recent rain.
Frequent or heavy falls can create the murky conditions that increase bullshark activity, particularly around creek or river mouths.
Freshwater and nutrient-rich run‑off can reduce the water visibility, affecting water quality and attracting baitfish.
Large bait fish activity can lead to increased shark activity.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty encouraged anyone planning a trip to the beach to download the SharkSmart app.
The app provides up-to-date information about shark sightings and risk mitigation measures.
“The NSW Government is strongly encouraging the community to be cautious following the heavy rain over the last few days as we head into the weekend,” Ms Moriarty said.
“If your local beach is closed due to the weather, shark sightings, or poor water quality, we ask beachgoers, swimmers and surfers to not enter the water, for their own safety.
“If you’re on the coastline, by the harbour or on waterways, it’s important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour and to then take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of a shark interaction.”
Mitigation measures include not swimming or surfing in murky or dirty waters; taking extra care within a kilometre of rivers, river mouths or harbours, especially after rain or flooding; avoiding the water during dawn and dusk; exercising caution if you see baitfish, diving birds or dolphins; avoiding areas where there are recreational or commercial fishing activities; swimming between the red-and-yellow flags; and always swimming, surfing or diving with a buddy.
The NSW Government recently increased funding for the Shark Mitigation Program by $6.7 million, bringing it to more than $30 million this summer.
This increased investment is delivering more drones in the air, over more beaches, and more research and tagging of sharks to gain an even better understanding of their numbers and movement along our coastline and in Sydney Harbour.
Drones have significantly strengthened beach safety by enabling earlier shark detection, faster species verification, and highly targeted local responses.
Operating at low altitude with high-resolution vision, drones allow lifesavers to issue immediate warnings, reduce unnecessary beach closures, and keep more beaches open safely.
NSW’s network of 37 Tagged Shark Listening Stations continues to provide valuable real-time detection information to support beach safety, and 305 SMART Drumlines continue to be deployed daily along the NSW coast from Tweed to Bega, weather permitting.
If someone is bitten, Community Shark Bite Kits that contain a tourniquet, compression bandages, dressings, a thermal blanket, whistle, gloves and first aid instructions for a serious injury are available at 15 Illawarra beaches from Sharky’s in Austinmer down to Gerroa.
Always call emergency services on triple zero immediately; the kits are for managing the wound until help arrives.
The kits are signposted; check your local beach before you jump into the water.
Alternatively, the shark bite kit locations can be found on this map.
