Beachgoers have been urged to exercise extra caution at Meelup Beach following the failure of a critical shark detection system. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has issued a shark advice for the popular South West swimming spot, confirming that the shark monitoring network receiver is offline.
The outage means that tagged shark detections in the area are not being recorded, creating a blind spot in the system used to alert authorities and the public to potential dangers. DPIRD has stated that the Meelup receiver is the only one affected, with the rest of the state's monitoring network operating normally.
Technicians are currently working to identify and resolve the fault. In the interim, authorities are urging swimmers, surfers, and boaters to remain vigilant and take extra precautions. Beach users have been advised to follow any closures or warnings issued by local rangers, Parks and Wildlife officers, or Surf Life Saving WA, and to stay updated through official channels.
Anyone who spots a shark is urged to contact Water Police immediately. Sightings will be shared publicly through SharkSmart alerts. The following steps are recommended:
- Take additional caution in the Preston Beach area.
- Adhere to beach closures advised by local government rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, the SharkSmart WA app, or by following @SLSWA on X (formerly Twitter).
- If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities, as well as to the public on the SharkSmart website, the SharkSmart WA app, and @SLSWA on X.
For further information, switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity by checking the SharkSmart website at www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, downloading the SharkSmart WA app, or following @SLSWA on X at x.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.
