Australia: Sharks Swim With Beachgoers at Surfers Paradise and Manly Beach

Beachgoers were ordered to quickly get out of the waters after shark sightings were reported on two different locations.

While celebrating Australia Day, beachgoers from two different beaches, Surfers Paradise and Manly, were asked to evacuate from the waters as the local authorities identified and confirmed that there were indeed sharks feeding on fishes during that time.

The order was given to protect both sharks and people, respectively. The sharks can feed until they swim back to the depths, and no unnecessary human injury or casualty will be recorded in the process.

Surfers Paradise

The first sighting was at around 10:00 am (Queensland time) at Surfers Paradise.

The lifeguards on duty were quick to blow their whistles and immediately started refusing entry into the water because a bull shark was reportedly seen swimming around the area.

Before they decided to let the patrons return to their swimming, however, just 45 minutes later, another shark sighting was seen in the area.

In the first sighting, the shark was reportedly seen attacking a school of baitfish swimming along with a pod of dolphins.

It still remains unclear if the two sightings were from different sharks.

15 minutes after the second sighting, when the shark reportedly left the beach, Surfers Paradise's patrons were then allowed to return to their swimming. But, beach authorities still continued to patrol the area on their jet skis.

Manly Beach

Almost an hour after the Surfers Paradise incident, the beachgoers at Manly beach were asked to do the same.

At around 11:30 am, a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has sighted an adult hammerhead shark swimming on the coast. Beach authorities immediately rang the sirens to warn the people to get out of the water.

Unlike the first sighting, where the beach closed temporarily during the sighting, Manly beach did not cease operations. People were just advised to get out of the water as they dealt with the shark.

Because of the authorities' quick actions, no injuries were reported on both incidents. After the sharks swam away, the people were immediately allowed to return to their Australia Day beach celebration.

The Sharks

Hammerhead sharks, the ones sighted at Manly beach, are large and intimidating creatures. They can reach an average height of up to 6 meters in length. Fortunately, they are not known to be aggressive towards humans.

Bull sharks, on the other hand, despite being smaller than the hammerhead, are more aggressive. Despite only reaching an average of 2 meters in height, these sharks are among the "big three" of the shark kingdom.

Along with the great white and tiger sharks, bull sharks are on the top of the list when it comes to causing human casualties and fatalities.

What to do during shark sightings?

Shark sightings, especially ones that lead to injuries and fatalities, are extremely rare. But, that does not mean it should be taken lightly.

Everyone wants to see a shark in real life, but it's just too dangerous to be around these magnificent creatures. So, when you stumble upon one while on a beach trip, it would be best to immediately get off the water and notify beach authorities.

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