Western Australian Government launches Shark Smart WA app

The Western Australian Government has released their first official shark warning app, Free SharkSmart WA, adding another safety initiative to their comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy.

The SharkSmart WA app works seamlessly alongside the popular SharkSmart website. It helps water users switch on their Sea Sense by providing near real-time information of shark activity including current alerts and warnings.

SharkSmart WA app features include:

• Explore shark activity information and beach safety features along the WA coast;

• Discover the locations of shark monitoring receivers, beach enclosures, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) patrols and Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signage;

• Users can select their favourite locations to receive personalised notifications for shark activity as it happens;

• Information of shark activity, including current alerts and warnings. Information is prioritised into Nearby, Your Favourites and Other Locations providing the most relevant information for the user; and

• User can use the location detail provided while at the beach to report shark sightings or whale carcasses to Water Police as soon as possible.

A new Sea Sense campaign has also been launched to inform the community about how they can usoe the WA Gvernment's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy to keep safe at the beach. The campaign will feature across print, outdoor, television, radio and digital platforms and has a budget of $328,000.

The State Government's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy also includes enhanced beach SLSWA patrols; a world-first personal shark deterrent subsidy for divers and surfers; an extended Shark Monitoring Network to Esperance and the Capes region and tagging operations.

Western Australian Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly advised: "This summer we're doing more than ever before to help people keep safe at WA beaches.

"The SharkSmart WA app is designed to help ocean users make an informed decision about their water use and take personal responsibility for their safety.

"While the chance of a shark encounter in WA is low, it's important that ocean users switch on their Sea Sense when they head into the ocean.

"I encourage every Western Australian that loves to use our ocean to download the app to get the latest beach safety information at their fingertips."

For more information go to https://www.sharksmart.com.au/