Life-saving community shark bite kits are being stolen from beaches in New South Wales, prompting calls for greater public awareness and education about their importance. The kits, which contain bandages, a tourniquet, a thermal blanket, a whistle and instructions, have been deployed at beaches including Old Bar near Taree and Crowdy Bay.
Community Shark Bite Kits founder Danny Schouten said about a dozen thefts have been reported over the past two years. The kits are funded and installed by community members. Schouten noted that the kits proved vital in the recent attack on Sydney mother Leah Stewart at Coogee, where the kit helped save her life.
Shark attack survivor and Bite Club founder Dave Pearson reported that some kits he installed around Crowdy Bay have gone missing. He expressed concern that someone might find an empty kit during an emergency. Schouten said the vast majority of beachgoers respect the kits, but a small minority tamper with them.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty condemned the thefts, calling those responsible 'idiots'. She confirmed that additional security measures may be considered if thefts continue. The state government's two-year, $120 million shark mitigation program includes support for shark bite kits, new technologies and an expanded drone program.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has purchased 150 community shark bite kits for rollout this year, with another 50 for Surf Life Saving NSW emergency response beacons in high-risk remote areas. Advocates stress that education and awareness are key to preventing further thefts.
