New warning for ‘peak’ great white shark activity time
Updated . First published at
Swimmers in New South Wales have been warned of a little-known danger zone for great white sharks after a young mother was bitten at a popular Sydney beach.
A cluster of shark bites and encounters has prompted the state government to remind residents that “significant numbers” of white sharks are in the water close to beaches and coastlines between May and November.
A shark captured on a drone in the water at Coogee Beach after the attack. One Shot Creative
The apex predators are most likely to be closer to beaches during the day and their activity peaks at 11am, according to SharkSmart.
The sharks prefer warm waters and are usually seen in the ocean when the temperature is between 18 and 20-degrees.
Nearly 1600 white sharks have been tagged by the NSW Shark Management Program.
“Significant numbers of juvenile white sharks (one to four years) move northward along the NSW coast in late autumn and early winter,” SharkSmart said.
“Then they primarily move southward over late spring and early summer to the cooler waters of the southern states and New Zealand.”
While this is the typical movement pattern of white sharks, the experts say they can be “anywhere, at anytime” along the NSW coast.
A great white shark mauled 35-year-old swimmer Leah Stewart at Coogee Beach last week, the attack fuelling a fresh debate over ocean safety and how swimmers and surfers can take precautions in the surf.
The NSW government said swimmers can minimise the risk of a shark attack by avoiding areas of high fish activity, swim with a buddy or group and to consider using a personal deterrent device.
Stewart was swimming between the flags and was close to shore when she encountered the white shark, which is a protected species.
Leah Stewart, 35, was identified as the victim of the Coogee Beach shark attack. Facebook
Her family said she suffered multiple bites on her arms and legs, cuts and fractures throughout her body and extreme blood loss.
There have been four deadly shark attacks in Australia this year, including the death of a 12-year-old boy in Vaucluse and three spearfishers in separate back-to-back incidents.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Hastie rules out legal action against Hanson as bitter war of words escalates
‘Not one phone call, letter… nothing’: Family’s distress over huge ‘redevelopment’ project at famous Perth cemetery
Boxing coach’s shooting death not linked to gang feud, but police probe bikie links
Man clings to ‘getaway’ Mercedes in drama in Melbourne car park
