News & Alerts

Update on 15th January 2021 at 3:30pm

The beaches between Bicton Baths and Point Walter in the City of Melville and the beach at Chidley Point in the Town of Mosman Park will remain closed until 7am on Saturday 16 January, unless there are additional shark sightings in the area.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers will be conducting water-based and land based patrols in the area until sunset. A DPIRD patrol vessel will be out on the water during Saturday 16 January.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Update on 15th January 2021 at 9:15am

The beaches between Bicton Baths and Point Walter in the City of Melville and the beach at Chidley Point in the Town of Mosman Park will remain closed until further notice.

Fisheries Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will continue patrols throughout today Friday the 15th January.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Update on 14th January 2021 at 2:30pm

The Town of Mosman Park Rangers have closed the beach area at Chidley Point on the opposite side of the river to Blackwall Reach. This is in addition to the City of Melville area closure between Bicton Baths and Point Walter.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers will be conducting water-based patrols in the area until sunset and land based patrols later into the night. DPIRD Fisheries Officers will continue patrols in the area on Friday 15th January.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Update on 14th January 2021 at 11:30am

The City of Melville have closed the area between Bicton Baths and Point Walter.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers are conducting water and land based patrols of the area.

Helicopters from WA Police and Surf Life Saving have both conducted aerial sweeps of the surrounding area this morning.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert issued 14th January at 8:50am

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are currently investigating a shark incident at Blackwall Reach in Bicton.

Situation:

• A male swimmer has received injuries after being bitten by a reported 2-3m bull shark at approximately 8:00 am, 14th January.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Bicton area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed. 

What authorities are doing: 

DPIRD is working with local authorities to coordinate responses.

A Water Police vessel is on scene and is currently clearing people from the water.

Extra information: 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.