Safety tips for surfers

Stay SharkSmart when surfing in Western Australia

Always check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity — reported sightings, tagged shark detections or shark attractants — before heading to the beach.

When you arrive at the beach, check for beach closure or warning signs. If there has been a recent reported shark sighting, tagged shark detection or shark attractant — for example, whale carcass — the land manager or surf life savers may install signage.

A surfer in a wetsuit carries a surfboard through shallow, clear blue water under a bright blue sky.

Notification system (from infographic)

Subject / Short description

Safety tips for surfers

Check the SharkSmart WA app or website for shark activity before heading to the beach
Always surf with a mate
Take note of the BEN sign at your beach access point
Be prepared. Have a first aid kit in case of emergency. Enrol in the Surfers Rescue 365 course to learn life saving skills
Avoid large schools of fish, seals, seal lions and bird rookeries
If marine life starts to behave erratically, leave the water
Stay alert of your surroundings. If you see a shark, stay calm, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible
Don’t surf with a bleeding or open wound
Surf in clear water where you have good visibility
Avoid surfing near sandbars, deep channels or areas with steep drop-offs nearby
Use an approved shark deterrent device

Aerial view of surfers paddling on turquoise waves near the shore, creating white surf patterns and vibrant splashes in the ocean.

Did you know?

The Western Australian Government offers a $200 rebate on scientifically proven and approved personal shark deterrent devices that can significantly reduce your chances of encountering a shark.

Shark deterrent rebate

Be prepared

Enrol in the Surfers Rescue 365 course to learn potentially life saving skills.

Find out more

Technology

* not required * Advanced monitoring systems

WA uses satellite tags, drone surveillance, and acoustic receivers to track shark movements and provide early warnings to beachgoers.

Explore Technology

Safety tools

Shark deterrent devices

Beach Emergency Numbers

SharkSmart WA App

Warning towers

Beach & aerial surveillance

Shark monitoring network

Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples’ lives.

Report Now

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Two surfers with boards walk into clear blue ocean water from a sandy beach under a bright sky.

Swimming safety tips

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Snorkelling and diving safety tips

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Shark activity map

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Safety tips for surfers