Swimmer safety
Queensland's beaches are great places to swim and surf. However, it is important to be aware that sharks inhabit our coastline, as well as estuaries, rivers, creeks, canals and streams – both saltwater and freshwater.
Follow these safety tips to minimise the chance of shark attack:
- Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches – between the flags and where shark safety equipment is in place.
- Obey the lifesavers' and lifeguards' advice, and heed all flags and noticeboard warnings.
- Leave the water if a shark is sighted.
- Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night, or before dawn when sharks become more active.
- Do not swim or surf in murky or silt-laden waters.
- Do not swim in, or at the mouth of, rivers, artificial canals and lakes.
- Never swim alone.
- Never swim when bleeding.
- Do not swim near schools of fish.
- Do not swim near, or interfere with, shark control equipment.
Last updated: 17 January 2012
