Lighthouse Beach, courtesy tropicalnsw.com.auBad news today. A 16-year-old boy was killed by a shark up the at Lighthouse Beach, near Ballina. Apparently he died from blood loss due to massive lacerations on his leg.
As I was reading the statistics at the end of the article though, I noticed a few things that I would like to address.
1. New South Wales is home to the most recorded fatal shark attacks in Australia.
NSW is also the most populous state in Australia, with 6.7 milllion residents, of which 4.2 million live in greater Sydney (see Aus. Bureau of Statistics). Just to put that in perspective, Queensland trails NSW in shark attack deaths by only 1 and that state has 3.8 million residents, or just over half the population. Which state is really most dangerous? (NSW = 254 total attacks with 73 fatal, while QLD is 234 total attacks, 72 fatal.)
2. Chance of shark attack death.
"In the last 50 years, there have been only 60 human fatalities (1.2 per year) in Australian waters from shark attack," states the Taronga Zoo Shark Attack file. The same file notes that 2-3 people die from bee stings every year, and far more people die from drowning than from shark attacks. For more interesting statistics click here.
Surfrider Australia has compiled a list of preventative measures one can take to reduce their risk of attack. Some of the more interesting tips include not wearing shiny jewellery which can be mistaken for the glint of fish scales, and that sightings of dolphins doesn't mean sharks aren't lurking nearby.
And finally, there's this tip that is clearly directed at 12-25 year-old boys everywhere:
"Do not harass a shark if you see one. It may harass you back."
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