Summer climate: Fisheries minister Don Punch urges WA beachgoers to be shark secure | USAEMALL.com

Beachgoers are being urged to be alert for sharks this summer ahead of new enclosures opening at Perth’s south in coming weeks.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said West Australians should stay informed about shark sightings as hundreds of thousands head to the beach over summer.

The State Government has funded shark barriers at Cottesloe, Quinns Beach, Busselton, Old Dunsborough, Middelton Beach, Esperance and Bicton Baths.

Coogee Beach also has an enclosure funded by the City of Cockburn.

The government has also funded a new beach enclosure at Fremantle, at Bathers Beach.

Mr Punch everything was on track for the Fremantle enclosure to be in place for February.

It will be 340 metres long and be installed between existing breakwaters to provide an enclosed swimming and snorkelling area of about 60,000 square metres.

It will be manufactured from semigrid braided mesh with internal stainless-steel strands for length and durability and be deployed using a mooring system, designed to have a low environmental impact on the seabed.

The government has provided $500,000 for the project, with the City of Fremantle stumping up the annual $121,000 maintenance costs.

“This is another important measure our Government is delivering to ensure swimmers feel safe in the water this summer.”

Mr Punch said it was crucial beachgoers remained vigilant and stayed informed.

“As the weather warms up, I encourage beach, estuary and river users to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed and make sure they report any shark sightings immediately to Water Police,” he said.

“If you find yourself in an emergency this summer, be sure to dial triple zero.

“Quote the code and location information on your nearest BEN sign and where possible, have someone wait at the sign to support first respondents attend the location as quickly as possible.”

The BEN programme, which uses a unique code for each sign location, is designed to improve emergency responses.

The BEN signs network has been used in more than 3100 requests for assistance to WA Police and St John Ambulance, including diver and surfer accidents, search and rescue activities and bushfires.