Safety tips for swimmers

Stay SharkSmart when swimming in Western Australia

Always check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity — reported sightings, tagged shark detections or shark attractants — before heading to the beach.

When you arrive at the beach, check for beach closure or warning signs. If there has been a recent reported shark sighting, tagged shark detection or shark attractant — for example, whale carcass — the land manager or surf life savers may install signage.

Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600. Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples’ lives.

Image for Always check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity — reported sightings, tagged shark detections or shark attractants — before heading to the beach.

Two people swimming underwater in clear blue sea, sunlight creating ripples on the sandy bottom.

Notification system (from infographic)

Subject / Short description

Safety tips for surfers

Check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity before heading to the beach
Take note of the BEN sign at your beach access point
Swim between the red and yellow flags, or within a beach enclosure
Always swim with a mate
If the SLSWA helicopter hovers and sounds its siren, exit the water quickly. Stay out of the water for at least an hour and check the SharkSmart WA app for shark sighting information
Warning towers may be present at beaches adjacent to the shark monitoring network. Towers use lights, sirens and audio broadcasts to notify beach users of shark activity
Don’t swim with a bleeding or open wound
Swim in clear water — avoid murky water, estuary mouths, harbours and canals
Avoid large schools of fish, dolphins, seal, sea lions and bird rookeries
Never swim near fish cleaning areas
Stay close to shore and avoid deep channels or areas with steep drop-offs
If marine life starts to behave erratically, leave the water
Stay alert of your surroundings. If you see a shark, stay calm, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible.

Aerial view of surfers paddling on turquoise waves near the shore, creating white surf patterns and vibrant splashes in the ocean.

Safety

Stay safe at the beach

Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, and always check for warning signs before entering the water.

Safety Guidelines

Emergency

Report shark sightings immediately

Your quick report to Water Police on 9442 8600 can help save lives by alerting other water users to potential dangers in your area.

Report Now

Technology

Advanced monitoring systems

WA uses satellite tags, drone surveillance, and acoustic receivers to track shark movements and provide early warnings to beachgoers.

Explore Technology

Mobile App

SharkSmart on your phone

Get instant push notifications about shark activity, beach closures and safety alerts. Track tagged sharks in real-time on the interactive map.

Download App

Safety tools

Shark Deterrent Devices

Beach Emergency Numbers

SharkSmart WA App

Shark Warning System

Beach Enclosures Subheading

Stay informed. Stay SharkSmart.

If swimming at an unpatrolled beach, please remember that Rangers are not always close-by to respond quickly to a shark sighting. Water users are responsible for their own safety.

Always check the SharkSmart WA app or shark activity map before heading for the water.

Report Now

A family enjoys swimming in clear turquoise waters with boats anchored in the distance under a bright blue sky.

Explore ,ore

Beach scene with a sign reading "Cottesloe Beach CT23," clear blue sea, yellow buoys, and trees in the foreground.

Beach enclosures

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BEN signs

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Keeping spring beach-goers safe with weekend helicopter patrols

Beach and aerial surveillance

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Introduction

Always check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity — reported sightings, tagged shark detections or shark attractants — before heading to the beach.

Notification systems

Safety tips for surfers