Another shark attack in Western Australia sparks tension among beachgoers. The breathtaking sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and exhilarating surf and swim competitions lure the visitors. People gather to spend time at nearby beaches that provide sporting delights throughout the changing seasons and vacations. Unfortunately, the current statistics on accidents involving marine animals have shown a concerning increase, with this year’s numbers being particularly alarming.

More tragic instances continue to get reported since the cancellation of a prestigious surfing competition due to the threat of apex predators. Since the attacks are not common, visitors kept coming, which most recently resulted in a near-death experience. The victim, who is widely recognized, shared a terrifying account of the attack when recounting what happened.

Swimming results in a close call with death

Richard Stubbs—an Australian radio and television host, author, and comedian—was swimming in Yallingup Lagoon when he got attacked by a shark. The two-meter-long predator sprang out of the seaweed and gripped his leg with its jaws. By hitting the beast, the 77-year-old was able to ward it off.  Later, the West reported Stubbs’s account about the terrible occurrence who said, “All of a sudden something hit me, hit my leg hard. ” He also shared that he was terrified and didn’t know how to react as the rescue was ‘instantaneous.’

It’s wonderful that he had supportive friends who helped him escape on a seemingly safe Saturday morning. The attacker was later identified as a carpet shark, also known as a “Wobbegong.”. Although not deadly, carpet sharks may nonetheless cause severe bites. In the end, Mr. Stubbs shared his admiration for the strong support of his friends throughout the mishap.

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There was a series of incidents recorded by the Australian coastline this week, one of which was recorded at the popular Margaret River. Yesterday, a large Great White shark attacked a surfer in his 20s, he also managed to fend off the shark. He was seen battling on a swell of cam footage as the shark lunged at him from a few hundred meters away from the shore. Previously, a similar series of deadly shark attacks led to the cancellation of an iconic surfing competition.

Swimming and surfing off-limit at this Australian spots

In April 2018, two separate shark attacks happened just a few kilometers from the Margaret River Pro competition site. The first attack occurred at Cobblestones where a man was bit on the leg while surfing. Another incident scared off the surfing community when a 41-year-old got attacked during Lefthander’s break. The attacks caused many to worry about the security of the surfers competing in the Margaret River Pro contest, which was scheduled to take place nearby. Later the unfortunate news came that both victims died as a result of their injuries despite being flown to Perth for medical care.

Despite having initially decided to move on with the competition owing to further safety worries, the World Surf League (WSL) eventually changed its mind. The future of the Margaret River Pro tournament was in question following the 2018 attacks. The competition was saved until 2021 after safety measures were reviewed and improved. With the growing number of shark attacks in the water, what would be your stance on personal safety?

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