Shark Alarms

Nothing will make you feel more like an Australian than a shark alarm!

On Sunday we headed to Coogee Beach to enjoy the 90 degree weather. We got to the beach a bit late and it was jam packed. Tons of people soaking up rays, playing in the water enjoying the waves and some swimmers past the break getting some exercise. It was a perfect day.

looking South, the saltwater pool is perfect!

Packed beach!

All of the sudden alarms started sounding - the alarms are loud. They sound like tornado alarms, but louder (at least louder than the ones I have heard). At first we had no idea what they meant, my first reaction was to run from a tsunami (hahaha), but everyone on the beach stood up and looked toward the water, parents darted toward the water to grab their kids and everyone got out of the water as fast as they possibly could. We quickly realized shark alarm.

Everyone Standing, just staring at the water, looking for a shark

The lifeguards were on patrol in the water with a few jet skis and inflatable boats (you can see one below); they were also stationed every 100 feet or so on the beach to keep people out of the water. They picked up the swimmers that were too far out and dropped them off at shore. A bigger boat came a while later and they kept scanning to water for about 20 minutes.

Jet Ski is about center, near the rocks

Then all the sudden the boats disappeared, a lifeguard came on the loud speaker and thanked everyone for their patience during the search and deemed the water safe. People did not walk, they ran, back into the water. I stayed out with my ass in the sand.

I'm glad no one was hurt, it was an interesting experience to see, that is for sure. I would say the mood at first was tense, but everyone was calm. Once the last swimmer was out, I think people were kind of hoping to see a shark.