Popular Perth Beaches Temporarily Closed After Shark Sightings
Beachgoers in Perth faced disruptions on Wednesday morning as two popular swimming spots were forced to close due to shark sightings close to shore. The incidents are part of a recent influx of shark activity along the Western Australian coast, coming just days after a surfer's close encounter with a great white.
Yanchep Lagoon and South Yanchep Beach Incidents
The first closure occurred at Yanchep Lagoon, located off Brazier Road in Perth's north. Surf Life Saving WA made the decision to shut the beach at 9:20am after a shark was reported off the coast. A SLS helicopter crew spotted the three-metre shark approximately 150 metres from the shore. While the breed was not identified, the governing body SharkSmart reported the animal was travelling in a southerly direction. Lifeguards gave the all-clear and reopened the beach at 10:25am.
In a separate sighting in the same area, a shiver of three hammerhead sharks was spotted at 9:15am near South Yanchep Beach. These sharks were observed further out, about 500 metres offshore. No warnings or closures were issued for this particular sighting.
Floreat Beach Also Affected
Closer to the Perth CBD, Floreat Beach was also temporarily closed to the public. The popular City Beach hotspot was shut down between 8:50am and 9:45am following the sighting of a bronze whaler shark detected a mere 30 metres from the shoreline. Officials noted that this shark also appeared to be heading south. The beach has since been reopened.
Authorities Urge Public Vigilance
Following these events, Perth locals are being strongly reminded to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and to stay informed by checking the official SharkSmart service for the latest updates. These sightings follow a dramatic incident on Monday near Margaret River, where 61-year-old hydrofoil rider Andy McDonald had a 'lucky' escape from a great white shark that bit a chunk out of his board.
