Beaches and Sharks: A Free Town Hall on Beach Safety This Summer

Join the University of Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW for a free public town hall exploring beach and shark safety ahead of the summer season.

This in-person and online hybrid evening hosted by the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS) will bring together experts and representatives from the University of Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Surfing NSW to provide practical information and answer questions from members of the community.

The discussion will explore:

· What beachgoers and surfers should know about shark risk and beach safety this summer

· How drones and aerial surveillance are being used to help detect sharks and improve situational awareness

· How Surf Life Saving NSW approaches shark surveillance, beach operations, and public safety

· The perspectives and experiences of surfers and the broader coastal community, including input from Surfing NSW

· How communities can better understand and respond to shark risk without unnecessarily avoiding the ocean

· What we have learned following a particularly challenging period of shark incidents in NSW

· Questions from the public about sharks, drones, beach safety, and emerging approaches to managing risk

The town hall will include Dr Chris Pepin-Neff, alongside representatives from Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW, with an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.

Whether you are a surfer, swimmer, lifesaver, coastal resident, parent or simply someone who enjoys the beach, the session is designed to provide practical information and a better understanding of the measures being used to support safer coastal recreation.

Wednesday, 18 November | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Lecture Theatre 200, Social Sciences Building (A02), Science Road, University of Sydney
Free admission and food provided

Note: In-person and online attendance options available. Zoom link will be sent out prior to the event to all registrations.