Are there sharks in Sydney Harbour?

Can you swim in Sydney Harbour?

These are questions we often get from clients boarding our Boat, Capri in Sydney. 

Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Sydney Harbour. Concerns about sharks are often exaggerated due to media sensationalism. However, we understand these fears and strive to reassure you when you come out for a day cruise on the beautiful Sydney Harbour

Is Sydney Harbour Safe to Swim In?

You may have heard that you have a higher chance of dying from a vending machine falling on you than from a shark attack. While this is a rare occurrence and lacks specific statistics, it's helpful to compare it to other everyday activities. Here are some causes of death in New South Wales (NSW) in 2022, from most to least frequent:

List of Annual Fatalities in Australia by Cause

Capri Down Under can take you to the harbour pool for a safe and enjoyable swim. Here are some tips to ensure safety while swimming in Sydney Harbour:

Safe Places to Swim in Sydney Harbour

1. Swim in Designated Areas: Stick to areas marked as safe for swimming, which are often patrolled and have safety measures in place.

2. Avoid Swimming Alone: Swim with a buddy or in groups, as sharks are less likely to approach a group.

3. Stay Informed: Be aware of any shark sightings or warnings in the area. Local authorities provide updates on shark activity.

4. Avoid Swimming at Dawn or Dusk: Sharks are more active during these times, so avoid swimming when visibility is low.

5. Avoid Swimming Near Fishing Activity: Sharks are attracted to fish and bait, so avoid fishing areas or places where people are cleaning fish.

6. Don’t Wear Shiny Jewelry: Shiny objects can resemble fish scales and attract sharks.

7. Avoid Swimming Near Seal Colonies: Seals are prey for sharks, increasing the likelihood of an encounter.

8. Be Vigilant: Keep an eye out for signs of sharks, such as dorsal fins, splashing, or unusual behaviour in the water. If you see any signs, calmly exit the water.

9. Respect Marine Life: Remember that you are entering the sharks' natural habitat. Respect their space and avoid disturbing them.

10. Shark Watch Apps: There are various shark watch alert devices. While their effectiveness is debated, some people find them to be an added layer of protection.

For peace of mind, it’s best to swim in shallow, clear water and be vigilant. We can also take you to shark-netted sea pools, which are charming and generally known only to locals. Some of these pools have facilities and are open to the public free of charge.

References

1. Alcohol-related deaths: 1,742 deaths ([Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education](https://fare.org.au/alcohol-induced-deaths-in-australia/#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Bureau%20of%20Statistics,conditions%20such%20as%20alcohol%20poisoning), 2022).

2. Drug overdoses: Over 1,240 deaths.

3. Road crashes: 1,194 deaths ([Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics](https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/road_deaths_australia_annual_summaries), 2022).

4. Pedestrian accidents: 168 deaths ([Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/992074/total-number-pedestrian-deaths-australia/#:~:text=In%20Australia%20in%20the%20the,increase%20from%20the%20previous%20year)).

5. Drowning: 281 deaths ([Injury Matters](https://www.injurymatters.org.au/know-injury/national-drowning-report-2023-released/#:~:text=The%20National%20Drowning%20Report%202023,by%20non-fatal%20drowning%20injuries), 2023).

6. Boating accidents: Approximately 14 deaths annually ([NSW Government](https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2024/SER227-Boating-Incidents-in-NSW-Statistical-Report.pdf), 2022).

7. Rock fishing: 11 deaths annually ([Surf Life Saving NSW](https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/rockfishing-deaths-targeted-in-safety-program/#:~:text=In%20NSW%20for%20the%202021,Lennox%20Head%20in%20mid%20May), 2022).

8. Scuba diving: About 11 deaths annually ([Surf Life Saving Australia](https://sls.com.au/scuba-snorkelling-fatalities), 2018).

9. Dog attacks: About 1 death annually ([Dogster](https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-bite-statistics-australia), 2024).

10. Lightning strikes: About 2 deaths every year ([ABC News](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/heres-what-happens-when-you-are-struck-by-lightning/103487890)).

11. Shark attacks: On average, 1 death per year ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_attacks_in_Australia), 2024).

- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education. "Alcohol-Induced Deaths in Australia." 2022. https://fare.org.au/alcohol-induced-deaths-in-australia/#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Bureau%20of%20Statistics,conditions%20such%20as%20alcohol%20poisoning.

- Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. "Road Deaths Australia Annual Summaries." 2022. https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/road_deaths_australia_annual_summaries.

- Statista. "Total Number of Pedestrian Deaths in Australia." 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/992074/total-number-pedestrian-deaths-australia/#:~:text=In%20Australia%20in%20the%20the,increase%20from%20the%20previous%20year.

- Injury Matters. "National Drowning Report 2023 Released." 2023. https://www.injurymatters.org.au/know-injury/national-drowning-report-2023-released/#:~:text=The%20National%20Drowning%20Report%202023,by%20non-fatal%20drowning%20injuries.

- NSW Government. "Boating Incidents in NSW Statistical Report." 2022. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2024/SER227-Boating-Incidents-in-NSW-Statistical-Report.pdf.

- Surf Life Saving NSW. "Rockfishing Deaths Targeted in Safety Program." 2022. https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/rockfishing-deaths-targeted-in-safety-program/#:~:text=In%20NSW%20for%20the%202021,Lennox%20Head%20in%20mid%20May.

- Surf Life Saving Australia. "Scuba and Snorkelling Fatalities." 2018. https://sls.com.au/scuba-snorkelling-fatalities.

- Dogster. "Dog Bite Statistics in Australia." 2024. https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-bite-statistics-australia.

- ABC News. "Here's What Happens When You Are Struck by Lightning." 2024. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/heres-what-happens-when-you-are-struck-by-lightning/103487890.

- Wikipedia. "Shark Attacks in Australia." 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_attacks_in_Australia.