News & Alerts

Update on 20 September at 4:15 pm

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have withdrawn the shark capture gear offshore from Sorrento Beach. 

DPIRD officers will conclude on-water and land-based patrols in the Sorrento Beach area today. 

Beaches in the City of Joondalup from J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to J37 Iluka BEN Sign to the north remain closed for the remainder of today and will be reopened by 10:00 am tomorrow morning. 

DPIRD recommends additional caution at Sorrento Beach and the surrounding area.

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X. 

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

Update on 20 September at 11:30 am

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has set shark capture gear about 1.5 kilometres off Sorrento Beach. 

Beaches remain closed by the City of Joondalup from J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to J37 Iluka BEN Sign to the north.

Beach closures will be reviewed again later today.

DPIRD officers will continue to conduct on-water and land-based patrols throughout the day. 

DPIRD officers have been authorised to set gear in an attempt to catch the shark involved in the fatal incident on Friday. 

DPIRD is working together with relevant authorities to ensure public safety.

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X. 

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

Update on 19 September at 12:00 pm

Beaches remain closed by the City of Joondalup from J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to J37 Iluka BEN Sign to the north.

Beach closures will be reviewed again at 12:00 pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.

Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will continue to conduct land-based patrols throughout the day. 

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X. 

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

Alert issued on 18 September 2026

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is currently assisting WA Police with a serious shark incident at Sorrento Beach in the City of Joondalup.

Situation:

• DPIRD received a report of a possible shark related incident at approximately 10:15 am on 18 September 2026 involving a swimmer at Sorrento Beach.  
• DPIRD is working with WA Police and local authorities to coordinate responses.
• The City of Joondalup has closed all beaches in the City of Joondalup from J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to J37 Iluka BEN Sign to the north.
• The beaches will remain closed until 12:00 pm tomorrow when officers from the City of Joondalup will reassess the situation.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Sorrento Beach area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
• Stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X.
• 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 @SLSWA on X. 

What authorities are doing: 

DPIRD is working with local authorities to coordinate responses.

WA Police officers are in attendance on the beach, and a Water Police vessel is patrolling on the water. 

SLSWA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is conducting an aerial patrol of the area.

A DPIRD patrol vessel is on the water monitoring the area.

Officers from the City of Joondalup are on the beaches to warn and notify the public of beach closures.

Extra information: 

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X – x.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.