Bull Shark Forces Bulli Beach Closure for Second Time in a Week
A bull shark swimming dangerously close to shore near Bulli has once again forced swimmers and surfers out of the water, leading to the immediate closure of the popular beach. This marks the second such incident within a single week, heightening concerns among local beachgoers and authorities.
Second Sighting Prompts Precautionary Measures
The shark was first spotted by a vigilant lifesaver just after midday on Sunday, February 1, 2026. In response, Surf Life Saving Illawarra swiftly implemented safety protocols, closing the beach as a precautionary measure. Anthony Turner, the duty officer for Surf Life Saving Illawarra, explained the standard procedure.
"They usually close it for a period of time until it's deemed safe," Mr Turner stated. Following the closure, lifesavers deployed an inflatable rescue boat and launched a drone to conduct aerial searches for any further shark activity in the area.
Multiple Shark Detections in the Region
Interestingly, this was not the only bull shark detected in the Illawarra region on Sunday. Earlier that same day, at 8.22am, a tagged bull shark was recorded by a listening receiver off Stanwell Park Beach. This particular shark had last been detected off North Narrabeen Beach on January 19.
It remains unclear whether the sharks sighted at Bulli and Stanwell Park were the same individual. The proximity of these detections has raised questions about shark movement patterns along the New South Wales coastline.
Heightened Alert Following Recent Tragedies
The community remains on high alert following a series of shark incidents last month. In a distressing 48-hour period, four sharks were reported, including one that tragically killed a 12-year-old boy and another that left Wollongong man Andre de Ruyter fighting for his life.
Adding to the concern, lifesavers have observed large schools of bait fish in the waters off the Illawarra coastline, particularly over the past week. "There was a lot off Sandon Point, McCauleys Beach, Thirroul and Fairy Meadow," Mr Turner noted, suggesting these bait fish may be attracting predatory sharks closer to popular swimming areas.
Ongoing Monitoring and Safety Protocols
Lifesavers continue to monitor the situation closely, using both traditional and modern technology to ensure public safety. "Lifesavers will monitor the area to see if there's any further activity or sightings and they'll make a decision of whether the beach is reopened," Mr Turner explained.
The repeated closures at Bulli Beach highlight the ongoing challenges faced by coastal communities in balancing recreational water use with marine safety. Authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant, heed all warnings, and follow the instructions of lifesavers during such incidents.
