News and Alerts

Update 1 June, 8:30am

The shark notification system outage, related to tagged shark detections, has been restored and is fully operational. Detection information has been reviewed during the time of the outage and no detections occurred during this period. 

The system for reporting and publishing shark sighting reports was not affected during the outage. 

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

Keep informed of the latest reported sightings and tagged shark detection information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

• Subsidy on Ocean Guardian Surf+ personal shark deterrent now available in stores
• University research shows the device, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions
• An additional $200,000 added to subsidy program for a further 1,000 devices

Update on 1 June at 8.50am:

The City of Albany has removed the whale carcass from Cheynes Bay, east of Albany and the beach has been reopened.

Additional caution at this location is still advised as any residue from where the whale carcass was beached may still attract sharks to the area.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.

• Ocean Guardian Surf+ personal shark deterrent added to subsidy program after independent testing
• University research shows the device, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions
• An additional $200,000 added to subsidy program for a further 1,000 devices

• University research shows the Ocean Guardian Surf+, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions by at least 60 per cent
• McGowan Government calls on NSW Government to release the final university report into shark deterrent effectiveness
• Subject to the final report, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has recommended the Surf+ device be added to the personal shark deterrent subsidy program 

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for waters between Big Rock Surf Spot and Ellensbrook Beach, near Gracetown, after an interaction with a shark at Lefthanders Surf Spot, which occurred Friday, was reported late today.

Update 1:45pm, 12 July 2018

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has advised that its Regulation 44 beach closure at Three Bears Beach, 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.

• McGowan Government provides SLSWA about $350,000 to extend daily aerial service to 27 May, 2018
• Commonly patrols finish at the end of April, after the school holidays
• A bumper salmon run and the biggest mass whale stranding in 10 years is believed to be contributing to higher sightings of large marine animals, including white sharks

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for Gearys Beach, south of Mandurah, after an interaction with a shark 50 metres offshore was reported at 5pm this evening.

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for waters between Dunsborough Beach to Bunker Bay, near the town of Dunsborough, after an increased number of reported shark sightings.