The Wire

Amid ongoing debates on the changes to the NSW shark policy, experts are calling on the NSW government to focus on drowning prevention, over the threat of sharks.

The state’s premier, Chris Minns, confirmed the government will install shark nets across 51 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong. But experts warn dangerous water conditions pose a significantly larger threat to ocean swimmers over shark attacks.  

From January to March this year, 28 people have drowned on New South Wales beaches, marking this summer the deadliest in the state’s history. A total of 54 people have drowned on Australian coastlines this year.