The Australian coastline is renowned for its stunning beauty, attracting locals and tourists alike to its sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. However, beneath the serene surface, the presence of sharks can pose a real threat to the unwary.
This is particularly true for a stretch of beaches north of Perth, from Mullaloo to Hillarys, where tiger sharks are not just occasional visitors but frequent guests, so much so that one has even been nicknamed ‘Trevor’ by the local community.
After incredible drone footage revealed dozens of sharks close to swimmers and pets in the water, beachgoers are calling for better shark warning signs and systems.
While no attacks have occurred in the area, the potential for an ‘accident’ is a growing concern among beachgoers who may not be fully aware of the risks lurking beneath the waves.
Curtis Ramsay, a local videographer, has been vocal about the need for increased awareness. ‘I have never been to a beach in [Western Australia] that has this many sharks in one spot,’ he told Yahoo News.
‘Especially in a metro area. It is an exception to the norm.’
Curtis shared that he spots ‘several sharks almost every day for a couple of weeks’ at Hillarys and Mullaloo in summer compared to other Perth beaches. However, beaches with fewer sharks reportedly have more visible warnings.
This is why he strongly feels the need to have more signage to make beachgoers fully aware of the presence of sharks in the area.
‘I am afraid [there] will be an accident that will impact the person or the animal that will [be bitten], as well as the shark. It is an avoidable situation that only takes a couple of minor tweaks to people’s behaviour and we can avoid an incident all together,’ he said.
‘…It could just take a couple of signs, people will still go to the beach, they will still do what they do, but at least they might have a bit more awareness.’
In Western Australia (WA), tiger sharks have been involved in 10 encounters with swimmers over the last 60 years, with the last fatal attack occurring in 1993 in Broome, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database.
While tiger sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans, the potential for a lethal bite is real, and Curtis urges that the situation is ‘avoidable’ with just a few minor tweaks to beachgoers’ behaviour.
‘Tiger sharks are generally pretty safe in Australia… but one bite could be lethal if it hits the right spot. It is all avoidable, I think that is what the issue is,’ he said.

Simple measures to stay safe from shark attacks
1. Avoid excessive splashing when swimming at beaches.
Curtis said controlling movements in the water can significantly reduce the risk of attracting sharks.
2. Download the SharkSmart app or visit its website.
The SharkSmart WA app is part of the comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). While it does not specifically mandate signage, the strategy includes patrols, shark tagging, and the Shark Monitoring Network.
‘Shark hazard mitigation in WA is a shared responsibility. Water users are encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app which provides near real-time information on shark activity, including current alerts and warnings to WA water users, said a DPIRD spokesperson.
The community is also urged to report sightings to the Water Police or through the app.
3. Be aware of Beach Emergency Number (BEN) sign locations and information.
In a collaborative effort in December, local and state governments installed BEN signs along WA’s beaches, providing a unique code to help emergency services locate incidents.
‘In an emergency, dial 000 and quote the unique code and location information on the BEN sign. Where possible, someone should wait at the BEN sign until the emergency service arrives.’
This initiative was inspired by Rick Gerring, whose brother Ben tragically died in a shark attack in 2016.
As a beachgoer, it is crucial to balance enjoyment with safety. Whether you are a local or a visitor, staying informed and vigilant can help prevent the ‘avoidable’ from becoming a reality.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a shark or know someone who has? What measures do you think should be in place to protect beachgoers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Drowning stats reveal older Aussies are most at risk