A popular beach in Western Australia's south has been placed under a shark warning after several confirmed sightings of the predators.
Multiple Sightings Trigger Official Warning
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issued the formal alert for Kelp Beds Beach, located near Esperance. The decision was made on the back of multiple shark sightings reported at the beach over the past four days.
Authorities have warned that there is a heightened likelihood of surfers and swimmers encountering a shark in the area. While sharks are a constant presence along the WA coastline throughout the year, the cluster of recent observations has prompted calls for additional caution specifically at Kelp Beds.
Official Advice and Public Urged to Use 'Sea Sense'
The department is advising the public to adhere to any beach closures, utilise their 'sea sense', and stay informed by regularly checking for shark activity updates. The primary source for real-time information is the SharkSmart website.
DPIRD officers will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates to the public as necessary. The alert was formally issued on 21 December 2025.
What to Do If You See a Shark
Members of the public are instructed to report any shark sighting immediately to Water Police on 9442 8600. All information provided to the Water Police is then disseminated to land managers, relevant authorities, and the public through official channels.
To stay informed, people are encouraged to:
- Check the SharkSmart website at sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity.
- Download the SharkSmart WA mobile app.
- Follow Surf Life Saving WA on X (formerly Twitter) at @SLSWA.
Further updates to this alert, along with other warnings and media releases, can be found at sharksmart.com.au/news.
