Northern Beaches Archives

A dramatic rescue of an endangered leatherback turtle off Dee Why Beach has reignited an ongoing debate over shark nets along the NSW coast, and whether a decision needs to be made to remove these controversial barriers.

Turtle Rescue at Dee Why

In March 2024, lifeguards at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches saved a possibly 100-year-old leatherback turtle entangled in shark nets about one kilometre offshore. The rescue, captured on drone footage, showed the exhausted animal struggling to free itself from the netting that covered its entire body.

Northern Beaches lifeguards David Hooper and Tiaan Cronje responded quickly to the distressed turtle. The lifeguards spent over 20 minutes carefully cutting away the netting to free the turtle.

Shark Net Program Changes

Following incidents like the one at Dee Why, the NSW government has announced plans to remove shark nets one month earlier than usual, on 31 March 2025. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reassess shark mitigation strategies along the NSW coast, including at popular beaches like Dee Why.

Recent data has highlighted the toll of shark nets on marine ecosystems. Of 255 marine animals caught in the 2023-24 season, only 15 were target shark species. Alarmingly, 65 endangered animals were caught, including green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and a humpback whale.

Alternative Safety Measures

While some nets may be removed, other safety measures will remain in place at beaches like Dee Why. These include baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations, and community education programs.

“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated.

Consultations with coastal councils will be scheduled, with measures potentially allowing them to choose how to keep their beaches safe up for discussion. This could mean the removal of nets at beaches like Dee Why in the future.

Published 2-Aug-2024

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has raised concerns about the Northern Beaches, especially Dee Why, as it highlights the suburb as a “coastal black spot” for the second consecutive year.

With six out of 48 drowning deaths in NSW happening on the Northern Beaches in the past year, SLSNSW Sydney Northern Beaches CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd emphasised the importance of swimming between flags at patrolled beaches during patrol hours.

“It is not a statistic that we are greatly proud of,” Ms Hare-Boyd stated, acknowledging various factors such as medical and mental health conditions contributing to these incidents.

Extended Patrol Hours and Dye Demonstrations

In response to the alarming statistics, Dee Why will extend patrol hours until 7:00 p.m. this summer, as many rescues occur after standard closing times.

Additionally, Clinton Rose, Northern Beaches Council Beach Services Coordinator, used environmentally friendly dye to show the rapid movement of rips from the shore. This demonstration underlines the new advice for those caught in rips: conserve energy, go with the flow, and signal for help.

Awareness Campaign by Northern Beaches Council

Mayor Sue Heins of the Northern Beaches Council announced a new campaign to raise beach safety awareness. This initiative will include informative videos, signage at high-risk areas, and practical tips for beachgoers.

“As we embrace the extreme weather, we are concerned our beaches will be extremely busy with locals and visitors seeking relief from the heat. More people on beaches could mean more rescues and drownings,” Ms Heins said.

“Last year, over 10.8 million people visited our beaches, with 1,427 rescues and 4,300 first aid cases requiring attention. Sadly, six people lost their lives in the Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving Branch area over the last year.

“We’re doing our bit to arm beachgoers with tips to stay safe this beach season with a new ‘Be Beach Safe’ campaign. Please do your bit by taking beach safety seriously and spreading the word with your visiting friends and relatives.”

Lifeguard Efforts and Visitor Statistics

Northern Beaches Council professional lifeguards, alongside volunteers from 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs, work tirelessly to ensure beach safety. A significant number of preventative actions (425k) were also taken to guide swimmers and boardriders to safer areas. Notably, no deaths were reported on patrolled beaches within the flagged areas during patrol hours.

With a heatwave warning issued, a surge in beachgoers is expected. In anticipation, safety measures and vigilance are being heightened to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The community is encouraged to stay informed and prepared, especially during these peak times.

Published 13-Dec-2023

Tag: Northern Beaches

Dee Why Beach Incident Highlights Shark Net Controversy, Removal Being Considered