Community Shark Bite Trauma Kits Approved for Waitpinga & Parsons Beach

Shark Watch SA has gained approval to install four Community Shark Bite Kits at Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches in Newland Head Conservation Park on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula following months of deliberation between the Department of Environment & Water and SA National Parks & Wildlife Services.

The go ahead was given on Saturday morning following another close call with a surfer on Friday evening when a large White Shark came within meters of launching an attack on a surfer. SWSA as well as members of the SA surfing community have been pushing to improve shark bite mitigation measures at known surfing hotspots within national park zones as there are already strict prohibitions against the use of drones within SA national parks.

While it might be a last resort life saving device, the latest developments are a promising step in the right direction that will help facilitate a more positive working relationship between the community and SA government departments amid growing concern about surfer protection in high risk environments where there is larger proportions of population overlap between sharks and surfers.

According to communitysbk.com.au, there have already been five kits installed in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula and more than 320 dished out Australia wide, one of which, helped saved the life of Coogee Beach shark attack victim, Leah Stewart. Each kit contains:

• 1x Incident Management Card.

• 1x SOF Tourniquet.

• 2x Conforming Bandages.

• 2x Large Dressings.

• 1x Emergency Blanket.

• 1x Emergency Whistle.

• 1x Pair of Nitrile Gloves.

• 1x Parts Bag.

Shark Watch will donate two of the four kits valued at $195 each and is calling upon the community and local surfing clubs to help fund the remaining kits that will be installed at easily accessible portions of Waitpinga Beach, Waitpinga Point, and Parsons Beach. Each kit will also be fitted with a Shark Watch QR coded sticker to help surfers promptly report shark sightings with ease. The first two kits are scheduled to be installed within a matter of weeks! Keep up to date with our socials or get in touch to follow the latest developments on their arrival.