Coogee Locals Invited to Hear What’s Being Done About Shark Safety Before Summer

𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒘𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒚, this is one local meeting worth knowing about.

Following the serious shark attack at Coogee Beach in June, locals are being invited to hear directly from the experts about what is being done to keep swimmers safer along our coastline as summer approaches.

Randwick City Council and the NSW Government are holding a free SharkSmart community information session at Randwick Town Hall on Thursday 10 September, bringing together shark safety experts, lifesavers and local lifeguards.

After what happened at Coogee, locals understandably have questions

The session follows the shark attack at Coogee Beach in June, which seriously injured local swimmer Leah Stewart.

The incident put shark surveillance, detection and safety measures firmly back in the spotlight, particularly for the thousands of locals who regularly swim, surf and spend time in the water along Sydney’s eastern coastline.

Locals will now have the opportunity to hear directly from the people involved in shark safety and ask their own questions.

So, what are they actually going to talk about?

Representatives from the NSW Government’s SharkSmart team, Surf Life Saving NSW and Randwick City Council Lifeguards will take part in the evening.

The session will cover:

• New shark mitigation technology
• Shark surveillance and detection programs, including drones
• Current shark safety initiatives and resources
• Practical advice for staying safer in and around the water this summer

For Coogee locals, as well as anyone regularly swimming at Maroubra, Clovelly or elsewhere along the eastern coastline, it is a chance to better understand exactly what technology and surveillance is being used and how it works.

What about the shark spotting drones?

Drone surveillance is expected to be a major part of the conversation.

Shark spotting drones have been an important issue locally, particularly at Coogee, with the NSW Government announcing expanded funding for shark surveillance and mitigation measures.

The information night will give locals the chance to hear more about how drone surveillance and other detection programs operate, plus what beachgoers can realistically expect heading into the warmer months.

Got questions? This is your chance to ask them

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said many residents understandably have questions about shark safety.

Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill said the community would also be able to hear directly about the NSW Government’s shark mitigation measures, including expanded drone surveillance.

With summer getting closer, there will undoubtedly be plenty of locals wanting answers.

For anyone who spends summer in the water, or has felt a little differently about getting in since June, this is probably one local information night worth knowing about.

The free session is open to the community, but bookings are required.