West Australians planning to celebrate Australia Day with a trip to the coast are being urged to exercise heightened caution following a significant technical failure that has impacted a crucial public safety service.
State-Wide Shark Advice Issued Amid System Outage
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has issued a formal shark alert across the entire state of Western Australia. This advisory comes in response to technical issues that have disrupted the automatic updates of two vital platforms: the SharkSmart website and the Surf Life Saving WA X account.
These services are normally relied upon by beachgoers and authorities for real-time information on shark activity and sightings. The outage has left many locals who were keen to enjoy the national holiday at the beach without their usual digital safety net.
Core Monitoring Network Remains Operational
Despite the interruptions to the public-facing alert systems, officials have confirmed that the underlying Shark Monitoring Network, which tracks tagged sharks, has not been affected. This network continues to function fully, providing critical data to marine safety teams.
The DPIRD is actively collaborating with external service providers to diagnose and resolve the technical problems. Restoration efforts are underway, but a timeline for a full fix has not yet been provided.
Interim Measures and Public Guidance
In the meantime, authorities have implemented manual workarounds to ensure some flow of information. All confirmed shark sightings will be manually uploaded to the SharkSmart WA app and its corresponding website during daylight hours, specifically between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Efforts will also be made to provide manual updates to the Surf Life Saving WA X account where technically feasible. The public is strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols while the system is being restored:
- Heed Official Closures: Strictly follow any beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, or Surf Life Saving WA personnel.
- Exercise Sea Sense: Stay vigilant and proactively check for shark activity. Use the SharkSmart website, the SharkSmart WA app, or follow @SLSWA on X for the latest manual updates.
- Report Sightings Immediately: If you see a shark, report it directly to the Water Police on 9442 8600. All information provided to the Water Police is disseminated to land managers, relevant authorities, and subsequently to the public via the SharkSmart platforms.
This technical glitch presents an added challenge on a day when many residents traditionally flock to Western Australia's iconic coastline. The advisory underscores the importance of personal vigilance and adhering to official instructions when key technological safety nets experience failure.
