Australia closes dozens of east coast beaches after shark attacks

"If you're thinking about going for a swim, think of going to a local pool because at this stage, we're advising that beaches are unsafe, Steven Pearce, the chief executive of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, told reporters following the beach closures. The beaches of NSW have been extra busy as Australians enjoy their summer holidays, but experts say recent heavy rains around Sydney have also created ideal conditions for shark attacks."

"A young surfer at northern Sydney's Dee Why beach narrowly escaped a shark attack the same day, although the shark bit a chunk out of his surfboard, according to ABC. On Sunday, a 12-year-old was seriously injured by a shark while swimming at a beach in eastern Sydney, ABC reported. Brackish water makes it difficult to see, while sewage run-off from rainwater has drawn in baitfish and sharks to coastal areas, according to Chris Pepin-Neff, an academic and expert on shark behaviour."

Four confirmed shark attacks occurred along New South Wales' eastern coastline since Sunday, prompting closures of dozens of beaches and public warnings to avoid swimming. Incidents include a 39-year-old surfer bitten at Point Plomer near Port Macquarie who escaped serious injury; a 27-year-old left in critical condition after a Manly attack; a young Dee Why surfer whose board was bitten; and a 12-year-old seriously injured while swimming in eastern Sydney. The government-run Shark Smart App recorded dozens of recent sightings. Heavy rains created brackish water and sewage run-off that drew baitfish and sharks toward coastal areas. Authorities advise avoiding beaches and waiting 72 hours after storms before swimming in harbours.

Read at www.aljazeera.com