Shark hazard management in Victoria

Warning sign

While the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) are the lead agency for shark hazard management, the VFA works with other agencies including the Victorian Police (VP), Life Saving Victoria (LSV) Emergency Management Victoria (EMV).

If a person is bitten by a shark, Ambulance Victoria will respond to provide emergency care and the VFA or another agency will close the beach.

This warning sign (right) will be displayed on a beach where a shark has been sighted. It recommends that swimming is not advised because a shark has been sighted in the area.

The VFA will provide a public warning on the VicEmergency website and app if a shark hazard has been confirmed.

On a patrolled beach, LSV will immediately warn swimmers, close the beach and attend to the victim until an ambulance arrives, should it be necessary.

Once authorities have confirmed there is no longer any sharks in the area, the beach will be reopened.