Wednesday’s shark attack at Bombo Beach near Kiama was a little too close for comfort here on the South Coast. While we’re not immune to attacks – there was a fatal one at Tathra not that long ago – we’re certainly not in the same unenviable league as the North Coast, which has suffered a string of encounters with sharks.
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Statistically, the chances of being attacked are relatively low. But that certainly doesn’t mean we should throw caution to the wind when entering the water.
It is well known dusk and dawn are the riskiest times of the day when it comes to sharks. It is when the creatures feed and also when visibility is restricted. It is thought in these conditions sharks can mistake surfers for seals.
Unfortunately, these times of the day are also when conditions for surfing are most likely to be at their best.
The winds tend to be favourable and for many surfers, it’s only time of the day they can spare the time to get in the water.
Fish tend to be on the move at these times too and among them are the apex predators, including sharks.
They are telltale signs of what’s happening beneath the surface. A gathering of seagulls and other seabirds is one. When the birds are hunting above the waves, it’s more than likely something with big teeth is doing the same below. Likewise, disturbances on the surface caused by schooling bait fish.
In our story about reactions to the Bombo attack, we’re told surfers often have sharks in the back of their minds. With the growing frequency of attacks on the eastern seaboard, sharks probably need to be more front-of-mind if surfers are to increase their chances of survival. The swell might be up, the waves glassy, the wind just right but if other signs like visibility, water clarity and bird activity point to shark feeding time, it’s best to postpone the surfing session.
In one sense, the victim was very unlucky – in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in another sense he was extremely fortunate to have his mates around who knew what to do to save his life.
Their quick and extremely courageous action in getting him out of the water and applying a tourniquet to stem the loss of blood was heroic.
We all wish Brett Connellan a full recovery and know his mates will be there to support him. We also hope all surfers everywhere will balance the passion they have for the waves with commonsense.