A new shark safety initiative has today been announced by the McGowan Government aimed at helping Western Australians access up to date shark activity information.
The SharkSmart WA mobile app is the State's first ever official shark warning app and provides near real-time information of shark activity including current alerts and warnings.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said the app was designed to help water users 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," he said.
"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."
As well as access to shark activity information and beach safety features along the WA coast, the app also allows users to search the locations of shark monitoring receivers.
The app will also contain information on beach enclosures, Surf Life Saving WA patrols and Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signage.
Users can select their favourite locations to receive personalised notifications for shark activity as it happens.
Information provided in the app will allow people to report shark sightings to Water Police with increased accuracy.
A new Sea Sense campaign has also been launched to inform the community about how they can use the government'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 shark hazard mitigation strategy also includes enhanced beach Surf Life Saving WA 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.
The new app can be downloaded free, from the App Store or Google Play.
