Sydney reopens Coogee Beach under heavy patrols after woman critically injured in shark attack

Coogee Beach in Sydney has reopened to the public, but with increased security measures in place after a shark attack left a woman in critical condition. Lifeguards and jet ski patrols are now a constant presence, supported by a shark-spotting drone.

The 35-year-old victim was swimming approximately 30 meters from shore when a shark, estimated to be between three and four meters long, attacked her. She suffered severe injuries to her arms and lower left leg and is currently hospitalized in stable condition. The Randwick City Council plans to host a community gathering to address the incident.

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Our Lifeguards will continue JetSki patrols throughout the day, and Surf Life Saving NSW is operating a shark-spotting drone at Coogee Beach.

This attack is the latest in a series of shark encounters along Australia's coast. The previous week saw a man die after a shark attack off Western Australia, and another fatality occurred while fishing near Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. In January, dozens of Sydney beaches closed after four shark attacks in two days, attributed partly to murky waters following heavy rain.

While shark encounters remain statistically rare, data indicates a gradual increase, with an average of nearly 29 incidents per year over the last decade, up from about 16 in the 2000s. The recent attack has also reignited discussions about shark management, though authorities are prioritizing technological solutions like drones, despite flight restrictions near Coogee Beach due to its proximity to Sydney Airport.

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it had been a really tough summer for shark activity, and nothing was off the table as the state considered safety measures.