Surfers call for more action after shark attack

The shark attack in which surfer Jack Frost escaped with his life, has renewed calls for a fast-response capability for the region’s increasingly busy coast. Margaret River Recreational Surfers and other residents want a jet ski-led response, with advocates saying trained experts at the ready were a crucial gap for the region. But initial talks had stalled, and the project, as well as any funding commitments, were now 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 and . . . 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.” Last Monday’s attack also served as a wake-up call for many resident surfers who previously considered Boat Ramps “safe”. Margaret River Boardriders’ Kalani Ord told the Times local surfers were “really shaken”. “It’s frightening because we’ve grown somewhat accustomed to hearing about shark encounters up the coast, but this time it hit too close to home,” he said. “We all surf there and have loved ones who do too. “The mood among us now is a mixture of trepidation and unease. “It is a harsh reminder of the risks we take doing what we love.” Those sentiments were echoed by veteran surfer Tony Breen, who owns The Common Bistro near the attack site. “This one hits way harder than any of the others,” he said. “The false security blanket has been ripped off. “I’m not going to be able to calm my nerves when I’m out the back anymore by telling myself ‘At least I’m not at Gracetown’.”