Latest shark incident revives calls for ‘stalled’ fast-response capacity for Margaret River surf

Monday’s shark attack at Gnarabup has reignited calls for a fast-response service for ocean emergencies off the Margaret River coast.

In April, the Times reported pleas from Margaret River Recreational Surfers and other residents for a jetski-led response, with advocates saying trained experts at the ready were a crucial gap for the region.

But initial talks stalled and the project, as well as any funding commitments, were in limbo according to Rec Surfers president Jim Ross.

“Due to the promotion of Margaret River as a surf mecca, it has immensely increased the numbers of people going into the water, with a big proportion of visitors having very limited experience in open ocean surf often getting into dire situations with only local surfers to assist,” he said.

“They are at risk as we don’t have a heavy water rescue service trained and available within minutes.”

Rec Surfers committee member Bec Sheedy-Ryan had already organised Shire of Augusta-Margaret River funding for heavy ocean training for a select crew of regulars, but said more was needed to upskill volunteers when professional services weren’t available.

“We need to have a set up that is world-class in its response capabilities as we have all the unique elements that add together to require this type of professional response team,” she said.

“Rugged and often inaccessible coastline, constant large and powerful surf with barely any flat days annually, a town full of people who love to experience the ocean here, and a huge volume of national and international tourists visiting, using and engaging with ocean-related activities in Margaret River throughout the year.”

But she said the onus fell far too often on whoever happened to be in the water or nearby at the time.

The shire, Surf Life Saving WA, Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development plus Minister Don Punch were all roped into discussions, but surfers were frustrated their pleas were met with cheap solutions or outright inaction.

Ms Kelsbie pointed to WA’s existing shark mitigation strategy, funding for SLSWA beach and aerial patrols, plus installation of a rescue cage at Surfers Point containing emergency gear including trauma and shark kits and a defibrillator.

“I continue to work with all parties to map the services we have locally and discuss how these services can complement each other and work effectively together,” Ms Kelsbie said.

Rec Surfers previously said that equipment was inadequate and poorly located, and reliance on the excellent marine rescue groups was too slow.

Ms Sheedy-Ryan said existing services including lifeguards could only “retrieve bodies” from offshore incidents.

Shire president Paula Cristoffanini said the local government had encouraged surfers to join existing emergency response groups and advocate to the State Government for support.

The shire only controlled beaches at Gnarabup, Gracetown and Flinders Bay, and had contracted SLSWA for lifeguard services at the Rivermouth in recognition of peak summer risks to swimmers.

Cr Cristoffanini said there had been previous Shire funding for the heavy water training as well as the Surfers Point cage.