Don't Swim in Sydney Harbour: A Former Police Diver's Warning After Recent Shark Attacks
A chilling reminder: As a former police diver with two decades of experience, Glenn Johns has recovered victims of murder, drowning, and shark attacks from Sydney Harbour and the New South Wales coastline. Now, he's using his expertise to caution against swimming in the open waters of Sydney Harbour, following the tragic death of 12-year-old Nico Antic.
The recent shark attack on Nico has sparked a debate about the safety of swimming in Sydney Harbour. While some, like Mr. Johns, advocate for caution, others argue that swimmers should be 'shark smart' and aware of the risks.
The Bull Shark's Presence: Sydney Harbour has always had a population of bull sharks, although there is no formal estimate of their numbers. Mr. Johns shared his experiences from the 70s and 80s, when he occasionally encountered sharks under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He also recalled an incident where a shark took a chunk out of his diving fin while he was testing a search and rescue strobe light.
The Controversy: Mr. Johns' stance on no swimming or jumping off boats in unprotected areas of the harbour has sparked debate. While he is not alone in his view, others, like charter boat operator Dean Cropp, disagree, arguing that swimming should not be banned but that people should be aware of the risks. Mr. Cropp, who has spent 11 years boating in the area, believes that sharks are not out to eat people and that the risk is not as high as some suggest.
The Science: The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) senior fisheries scientist, Amy Smoothey, has been researching bull sharks for 15 years. She notes that there is no scientific study to determine whether loud noises repel sharks, but low-frequency pulses studies have shown that they can resemble struggling fish and lead sharks to investigate those areas. Dr. Smoothey encourages swimmers to be 'aware, but not alarmed', and to avoid swimming in murky water, after heavy rain, and at dawn, dusk, and night.
The Call to Action: While there is no total safeguard, Dr. Smoothey and others advocate for 'shark smart' practices, such as swimming in netted enclosures and avoiding open water during certain times of the day and after heavy rain. The NSW shark management program, which received a $4.2 million funding boost after four shark attacks last month, is working to tag and track bull sharks in Sydney Harbour.
A Thought-Provoking Question: As the debate continues, it's important to consider the experiences and expertise of those who have encountered sharks in Sydney Harbour. What do you think? Are you more likely to be cautious or 'shark smart' when swimming in the harbour? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
