West Coast Australia Outdoors - Perth and West Coast Australia - page 75

REDUCING THE RISK OF SHARK ATTACK
This list of shark safety guidelines is from WA's Department of Fisheries. After a spate of fatal shark attacks in
2012, the WA government also announced a $20- million safety program including a system to track, catch and
potentially kill any sharks posing an imminent threat. See www.fish.wa.gov.au .
» Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
» Swim close to shore.
» Swim, dive or surf with other people.
» Avoid areas close to bird rookeries or where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions.
» Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enter the water.
» Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby.
» Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds.
» Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty.
» If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as
quickly as possible.
» If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water.
» If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible - avoid excessive splashing or noise.