After a 12-year-old boy was critically injured by a shark in Sydney Harbour, a leading expert warns against swimming in the area following heavy rainfall. The attack, along with two other shark-related incidents on Monday, has raised concerns about the risks of swimming in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain. University of Sydney associate professor Chris Pepin-Neff warns that swimming in the harbour after heavy rain is a 'terrible idea' due to the high levels of faecal matter and raw sewage that attract bait fish and sharks. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding the harbour for about 72 hours after a big storm. This advice comes as the Northern Beaches Council closed all beaches except Palm Beach over the weekend due to dangerous surf conditions. The expert also highlights the need for better communication and public notices to inform swimmers about the risks of sharks and elevated bacteria levels in the water. David Baxter, founder of the Marine Life Rangers, agrees that the harbour's water conditions, including dirty water, overcast rain, and runoff, stimulate the curiosity of sharks. He predicts more shark attacks and urges people to be cautious, stating that if it doesn't feel right, the conditions aren't right, and they should just stay out of the water. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) confirms that a bull shark likely attacked the 12-year-old, citing the brackish water conditions and the nature of the injuries. Superintendent Joseph McNulty of the Marine Area Command suggests that heavy rainfall may have contributed to the attack at Vaucluse, emphasizing the complex interplay of factors that can create a dangerous environment for sharks and swimmers alike.
