The Cook Government has pledged $300,000 over three years to support a suite of shark hazard mitigation initiatives aimed at improving safety for Western Australian surfers.
The funding will be directed to Surfing WA, the state’s peak surfing organisation, to enhance and expand the Surfers Rescue 365 program—a free initiative that provides surfers with training in board rescue techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other essential first aid skills.
Since its launch in 2017, the program has trained more than 1,500 surfers. With the new funding, Surfers Rescue 365 will be extended into regional communities and made accessible online, allowing more participants—including school students and remote surfers—to complete the training.
In addition to the training expansion, Surfing WA will bolster safety at local surfing events by increasing drone and jet ski surveillance. Trauma kits will also be deployed at high-traffic surf breaks along the coast between Esperance and Geraldton. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Shark Response Unit will assist in identifying suitable locations for the emergency kits.
Surfing WA will also collaborate with local surfing ambassadors to promote shark safety awareness through the SharkSmart WA app and website, a core element of the state’s shark mitigation strategy.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the initiative plays a vital role in enhancing safety along WA’s extensive and often remote coastline.
“Many of Western Australia’s most spectacular and remote beaches provide excellent surfing conditions, so knowing what to do in an emergency can be lifesaving,” Jarvis said.
“The Surfers Rescue 365 program is a fantastic initiative, and we’re pleased to provide additional funding so more people—particularly in regional areas—can gain these vital first aid skills.”
Jarvis also emphasized the importance of the SharkSmart app and website in promoting real-time, accessible information to beachgoers.
Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane welcomed the funding, describing it as a “major step forward” for ocean safety in the state.
“Surfers are often the first responders in emergency situations, especially in remote areas,” Lane said.
“This funding enables us to expand our lifesaving programs and safety infrastructure, ultimately creating a safer environment across the WA coast.”
The Cook Government’s broader shark hazard mitigation strategy includes a range of measures such as public education campaigns, tagged shark monitoring, and community partnerships.
More information is available on the Surfing WA and SharkSmart websites.