A bodyboarder has been flown to Royal Perth Hospital after he was bitten by a shark at a beach south of the city.
NOVEMBER 11, 2018 9:43PM
Safety measures lead agenda at shark summit
A bodyboarder bitten by a shark south of Perth has been flown to hospital as the WA Premier urged beachgoers not to be “too frightened” in the water.
Police say the man, aged in his 20s, felt something grab his leg while at Pyramids Beach at Dawesville about 8.30am on Sunday.
St John Ambulance said the injured man “suffered traumatic injuries to a foot and ankle” and was flown to Royal Perth Hospital.
The injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
“He had been attacked on the lower part of the leg, with a couple of meaty bites,” witness Damian Baker told Fairfax Media.
The Sharksmart website says the beach was closed until further notice and advised those in waters in the Mandurah area take additional caution.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Sharksmart website, helicopter monitoring program, shark tagging, swimming enclosures and rebates for shark deterrents were examples of his government’s action towards preventing shark attacks.
“We just have to keep a level head and make sure we put in place sensible policies based on evidence,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“Everything a government can be doing, we’re doing.
“I urge everyone not to be too frightened but to take precautions.”
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly on Saturday announced new shark surveillance methods for WA surfing events, a new advertising campaign to educate the public on avoiding shark attacks and an independent panel to advise on new technology and policies.
Great White Shark seen off the coast of WA. Source:Supplied
2.5 metre long crocodile spotted swimming off The Strand
KEAGAN ELDER, Townsville Bulletin
A crocodile has been spotted swimming off Townsville’s The Strand this morning.
Joanna Henderson, of North Ward, spotted the reptile she estimated to be about 2—2.5 metres long swimming against the tide off the point at Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club about 11am.
“It was just out past the yellow buoys put out,” Ms Henderson said.
“It was quite close to the shore.”
Ms Henderson said there were people swimming in the stinger nets at the time.
But the crocodile glided past the swimming spot towards the port.
Ms Henderson said she regularly walks by The Strand and swims at the Jezzine Barracks end, but this was the first time she had seen a crocodile off the popular Townsville beach.
“I had a swim there earlier this morning. He (the crocodile) was probably down there too,” she said.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen one so close and the first time I have seen one down there.”
Ms Henderson said she was with friends from South Africa who were shocked to see the crocodile.
Last month a crocodile had been spotted in Ross Creek near the Metropole Hotel.
Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science said that crocodile was 1 metre long.
To report a crocodile sighting, phone 1300 130 372.
– AAP, with the Townsville Bulletin
A crocodile spotted in Townsville. picture: NT Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Source:Supplied
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