Last Friday’s shark attack on a swimmer in Botany Bay has alarmed many people including Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski.
On Friday evening, a woman was bitten by a shark as she was swimming about 20-metres off shore at La Perouse.
When the woman, identified as Anna Shurapey, 55, was carried to the water by another swimmer it was found her leg had been sliced open from her knee to her ankle which has been gashed open.
She was airlifted to hospital and underwent surgery on Saturday. She is reported to be in a stable condition.
Although the actual species of shark has not officially been identified, suspicion lies with it being an aggressive Bull Shark or a Great White.
Cr Saravinovski said the only way to keep safe is to swim within the swimming enclosures.
“The shark proof netting is there to protect you from these hungry predators,” he said.
“Non surf beaches are not normally patrolled but this latest attack has brought with it some serious concerns.
“We will be having discussion with a view to actioning a prevention and awareness strategy, we have the infrastructure to protect swimmers, but they need to use it,” he said.
“But there are other dangers you need to be aware of,” Cr Saravinovski said.
“Other marine animals, such as stingrays lurk just beneath the sand, so practice the sand shuffle when you enter the water.”
