News and Alerts

More and more people are heading for Western Australia’s awesome beaches and out on the water as the weather warms up, so it’s time to think about sharing the ocean and being considerate of other people.

There can be recreational fishers and divers in close proximity to each other, so care should always be taken. People checking lobster pots and anglers are reminded not to dispose of bait or fish waste near swimming beaches, or when divers are in the water nearby.

Update on 8 December at 11.30am

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advise that Exmouth Shire will re-open the beach at 1pm this afternoon.

Fisheries officers will remain in the area, however will not have an on-water presence as from 12 noon due to weather conditions.

Ocean users are advised to take additional caution when swimming in the area.

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 5 December at 10:25am

The City of Albany has now removed the whale carcass from Cheynes Beach, 2km east of Cheynes Beach Caravan Park.

Warning signs remain in place, however may be removed in the near future.

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as any residue from where the whale carcass was beached may still attract sharks to the area.

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 30 November at 10:45am

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have successfully removed the Elephant Seal carcass from the Rabbit Hill Surfing Spot, near Yallingup in the Shire of Busselton

The DBCA officers attended the location yesterday evening and completed the removal of the carcass.

Water users are advised to remain cautious in this area, due to the potential residues that may continue to attract sharks.

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

Extra information: 

Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed 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.

Update on 28 November at 4pm

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass, which remains above the high tide line on Salmon Beach, near Windy Harbour.

Shark warning signs are in place in the area. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as the slowly decomposing whale carcass may attract sharks to the area.

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.

• ​4,000 scientifically proven personal shark deterrent subsidies claimed by ocean users
• Device sales have grown as a result of the digital marketing campaign

• The McGowan Government is doing more than ever to help keep you safe at the beach
• Free SharkSmart WA app now available to check your local beach conditions
• Ocean users encouraged to use the app and switch on their Sea Sense to keep safe this summer

Update on 16 October at 11:50am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Bruboodjoo Point near Coral Bay and have removed the Regulation 44 closure notice this morning. 

It is possible the residues of the whale may continue to act as a shark attractant.

Beach users are encouraged use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

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

Update Sunday 6 October at 2.40pm.

Officers from the departments of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have carried out an on-water patrol of the area where a whale carcass was reported offshore from Peppermint Grove Beach, near Capel and south of Bunbury, but have been unable to locate it.

An SLSWA helicopter patrol over the same area has also not been able to sight the reported carcass.

In the meantime, the we urge water users to apply additional caution in the Peppermint Grove Beach area and we ask people to report any new sightings of this or other whale carcasses or sharks. 

Whale carcass and shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600. 

Update on 26 September at 5:00pm

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Wedge Island near Lancelin and have removed the Regulation 44 closure notice this afternoon. 

It is possible the residues of the whale may continue to act as a shark attractant.

Beach users are encouraged use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

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