Sharks provide a connection to the wild for us beyond the elements that we sail in. We rarely encounter sharks while sailing in Esperance but others do.

With this in mind the Club has developed a shark mitigation strategy in line with other water users in the region.

Shark Mitigation Strategy. EBYC

Preamble: The goal is to provide a strategy for the club to deal with the threat of sharks in the bay, and to provide members and parents with re-assurance.

It should be noted:

• No sailor has ever been taken by a shark during racing in the history of the sport.
• It is difficult to provide rigid protocols in the event of a sighting as often sightings are inaccurate and unconfirmed.
• Small harmless sharks are occasionally encountered in the bay.
• The race committee are tasked with decision making pre-race, & the PRO is tasked with decision making during the race, either alone or in conjunction with any available members of the race committee.
• The Strategy applies to off the beach non-keel classes. The keel boats are unaffected, and shall continue racing. Rule 4, “Decision to Race” applies. Guidelines for decision making:

• Similar guidelines shall be applied as per Surf Lifesaving WA. https://www.mybeach.com.au/safety-rescue-services/beach-safety/shark-safety/
• The race committee shall ensure that they have access to the shark smart apps.
• Sightings West of the Breakwater and East of Castletown are generally of low risk level, and will be monitored, but are generally not a reason to abandon racing.
• Sightings on the day in the bay need to be assessed by the race committee. The race committee shall try and establish direct contact with the relevant authorities to provide updated information:

Water Police – 9442 8600
Report any sightings to this number.
Water Police may be able to provide updates on the situation.

Racing will be abandoned or postponed, if necessary, under the direction of the PRO & the race committee

A confirmed sighting of a great white or large shark over 3 metres in the racing area of the bay will result in abandonment of racing.

For unconfirmed reports the race committee will assess the risk based on the information at hand. Racing may be postponed or abandoned.

If a shark 2 -3 metres in length is confirmed within the sailing area, then abandon or postpone for at least 1 hour.

If the shark is under 2 metres in length then the PRO shall advise all support boats and continue as normal. Monitor the situation.

Consider the application of drone or helicopter surveillance.

Heli Spirit – 0428 721 776

In the event of abandonment whilst boats are on the water:

The PRO shall display abandonment flags appropriately, and advise support boats to shepherd boats to shore, away from the last known sighting of the shark.

Sail Training:

• The same guidelines apply.
• The most senior coach or the Rear Commodore Junior to make the decision and manage the situation

In the event of a shark attack

• Ring triple 0.
• Apply appropriate first aid immediately. Especially in regards to blood loss.
• Bring the patient to the beach as soon as possible.
• Co-ordinate hospital transport and pre-hospital emergency care.