Being Shark Smart and Ray Smart means understanding how to safely enjoy the ocean while respecting the incredible marine life that calls it home. It’s about making informed choices, reducing risks, and protecting the animals we share the sea with.
How to Be Shark and Ray Smart
Shark Smart Tips
- Swim at patrolled beaches and follow lifeguard advice
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night, when sharks are more active
- Don’t swim near schools of fish, seals, or where people are fishing
- Remove shiny jewelry—it can resemble fish scales
- Stay in groups—sharks are more likely to approach individuals alone
For more tips and real-time updates, visit the official SharkSmart NSW website.
Ray Smart Tips
- Shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid stepping on rays
- Never chase or touch rays—they’re shy and gentle
- Observe from a distance, especially during feeding or resting
- Learn to identify species—some rays have venomous spines, others don’t
Why Shark Nets and Drumlines Don’t Work
While shark nets and traditional drumlines were introduced to reduce shark encounters, they are largely ineffective and ecologically harmful:
- Shark nets don’t form a barrier—they’re short and shallow, allowing sharks to swim around or under them
- Drumlines indiscriminately catch marine life, including harmless sharks, turtles, dolphins, and rays
- Bycatch rates are high, with many non-target species killed unnecessarily
- They don’t reduce shark populations, just remove individuals temporarily
- Modern alternatives like SMART drumlines (which alert teams to live captures for tagging and release) are more humane but still debated
Being smart in the ocean means protecting both people and marine life. With knowledge, respect, and the right tools, we can all enjoy the sea safely and sustainably.
