With 5.5m waves and 25 knot winds forecast for the Sunshine Coast this Wednesday, shark control nets will be removed from Sunshine Coast beaches starting today.
Fisheries Queensland Shark Control Program manager Jeff Krause said gear can come adrift in adverse weather and was being removed so it would not become another potential hazard in the water.
“Gear that is loose in the water can be very dangerous especially if someone becomes entangled,” Mr Krause said.
“While every effort is made to anchor the gear, high seas caused by strong winds can set some gear adrift.
“We need to take the gear out before conditions become too treacherous for our contractors to be on the water.
“The three shark nets from Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Coolum will be removed today and returned to the water on Friday morning if conditions are improved.
“We strongly encourage people to follow lifesaving services warnings about staying out of the water while conditions are still treacherous.”
If people see shark control gear including ropes, netting or buoys which has come loose, call the Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891, so that the area can be signed for safety until the equipment can be retrieved.
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