Shark fears 'out of proportion': surf club

The State Government has promised $23.3 million over fiveyears to keep the beaches safer following an increase in shark attacks and sightings.

This year $6 million has been allocated.

But South West surf lifesaving clubs are concerned the threat of shark attacks is being blown out of proportion.

City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club director Chris Dunbar said the club had not had an incident while on patrol for years.

“The last shark attack at Back Beach must have been eight or 10 years ago, when a boogie boarder was bitten on the lower leg,” he said.

He said sharks had been a concern since the club’s inception, but was unsure how much the risk had increased.

He assured people the club’s weekend patrols would resume in October but wanted the public to be more accountable when entering the water.

“My advice is for people to contribute to their own safety by swimming in appropriate weather and sea conditions, not eating heavily or drinking alcohol before entering the water,” he said.

“Let someone know where you are and don’t go out in conditions where you can’t recover yourself.

“Last summer, we had a number of people injured at the beach and taken to hospital after being dumped by the Back Beach’s notorious shore break.

“Forget the fish, it’s the shore break that’ll get you.”

Fisheries Minister Troy Buswell said this year’s funding would include activities in the South West such as the helicopter beach patrols.

“Research, education and community engagement strategies will also continue to help West Australians understand more about sharks and help them make more informed decisions when entering the marine environment,” he said.