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Shark Scare Clears Sydney Baths for First Time
6 Feb
Summary
- Wylie's Baths had to limit entry for the first time due to overwhelming demand.
- Increased patronage at netted areas and ocean pools followed four shark attacks.
- Swimmers are returning to open waters weeks after the shark incidents.
Wylie's Baths in Coogee, Sydney, implemented an unprecedented entry cap due to a surge in visitors, a situation staff cannot recall happening before. This occurred as swimmers across Sydney increased their use of netted swimming areas and ocean pools following four shark attacks within a 48-hour period in New South Wales.
Local councils have noted anecdotal evidence of increased patronage at enclosed swimming locations like Balmoral Baths and Dawn Fraser Baths. Many swimmers, previously engaging in open water activities, have avoided the sea since the shark incidents, opting instead for the perceived safety of pools.
Shark policy experts suggest that while shark attacks can cause a temporary shift in behavior, swimming patterns often return to normal within approximately two weeks. The recent spate of attacks was described as extraordinary, creating a significant psychological impact on the community.
