The spot where the Mollymook teenager Sam Smith was attacked is renowned for sharks. Indeed, it seems he went after the creature to film it – at 1.5 metres it probably did not seem much of a threat. What transpired proved otherwise.

There is no need to panic about sharks but some precautions can avoid encounters. Sydney University shark researcher Christopher Neff and Taronga Zoo have compiled some useful tips to stay safe at the beach. Among them: 

Swim at beaches with surf lifesavers, who are on the look-out for signs of danger.

Swim with others. Numbers may deter a shark while providing help if there is a bite. Avoid swimming with dogs. 

Keep clear of spearfishers, who are most vulnerable to attack. 

Don’t swim in dirty, foamy or turbid water, conditions that make it harder to spot a threat. 

Avoid swimming at dusk, dawn or at night – times when sharks are more active and will also be harder to spot.

Don’t swim near a river mouth or stormwater outfall, especially after a rain event that may have washed edible material into the sea.

Leave the water if schools of baitfish (such as salmon and mackerel) arrive – possibly luring sharks with them.