Shark attacks in Australia: where is it safest to swim and what times should I avoid?

"A recent cluster of shark attacks along Australia's east coast including a fatal attack on a 12-year-old boy in Sydney has renewed attention on how people share the ocean with sharks, particularly in a country that sees more than 500 million coastal visits by beachgoers each year. While the overall risk of a shark attack remains low, experts say warmer waters, various weather events, shifting prey and busier coastlines can increase the likelihood of shark encounters"

"A range of shark species inhabit the coastline around Sydney including great whites and tiger sharks. But bull sharks known for their ability to tolerate freshwater, as well as their adaptability to near-shore waters and river mouths are among the most commonly implicated in attacks in the region. Bull shark encounters tend to occur when conditions favour feeding activity including warmer water temperatures, murky seas after heavy rainfall and periods of low visibility such as dawn and dusk."

The overall risk of a shark attack in Australia remains low despite recent clusters of incidents. Warmer waters, various weather events, shifting prey patterns and busier coastlines can raise the chance of encounters, making timing and location of ocean entry important. New South Wales records the most attacks due to high beach use, especially by surfers. Multiple shark species inhabit Sydney waters, including great whites, tiger sharks and bull sharks, with bull sharks often involved near river mouths and in murky or low-visibility conditions. Queensland and Western Australia have also recorded notable shark activity and fatal incidents.

Read at www.theguardian.com