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Shark WARNING and BEACH CLOSURES for the Gracetown area
24 April 2018Update on 26 April at 4.55pm:
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has advised that its Regulation 44 beach closure between North Point and Ellensbrook, near Gracetown, will expire today at 6pm and will not be extended.
Caution is recommended at all times in these waters by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and it’s important that water users check SharkSmart’s Activity Map or the Surf Life Saving Twitter feed before heading to their local beaches.
Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.
Update on 24 April at 12.25pm:
Please note that the shark warning signs referred to in the initial alert were replaced by beach closure signs, after the formal closure was put in place by DBCA.
Update on 24 April at 10.20am:
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has issued a Regulation 44 beach closure between North Point and Ellensbrook, near Gracetown, due to recent increased shark activity in the area.
This means beaches and waters up to two kilometres out to sea cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers. This closure does not apply to vessels.
The area will be closed until at least 6pm on Thursday 26 April. The closure will be reviewed by DBCA on Thursday.
Alert issued on 24 April:
Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for the waters between North Point and South Point at Gracetown, in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, after an interaction with a shark.Situation:
- A 3.5metre shark (unknown species) interacted with a surfer around 5.30pm yesterday (Monday 23 April) and swiped the surfer with its tail.
- The surfer did not sustain any injuries.
- The incident occurred approximately 15 metres offshore, near South Point.
- Shark warning signs have been erected in this area by Shire rangers.
- Fisheries Officers are attending the area.
What to do:
- Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Take additional caution in the waters between South Point and North Point in the Gracetown area.
- Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website 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 response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Fisheries officers are patrolling in this area for the remainder of the school holidays. Rangers from the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River have erected warning signs.
Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are also responding.
The Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will be continuing aerial patrols throughout the remainder of the school holidays.
Extra information:
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.
Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.