Australia: Beach Warning After Multiple Shark Attacks

A lifeguard organization in Australia has advised citizens to avoid beaches after four shark attacks occurred within 48 hours in New South Wales.

Two people were seriously injured. These attacks occurred after heavy rainfall clouded the waters, creating ideal conditions for bull sharks, according to the Surf Life Saving New South Wales lifeguard organization.

In one of the attacks, in Manly, a surfer was bitten in the legs and is hospitalized in critical condition. An 11-year-old boy escaped an attack, while on Sunday, a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured while swimming.

Callum Brown of Macquarie University in Sydney explains that sharks are attracted to river mouths after heavy rainfall. Beaches in the northern suburbs of Sydney have been closed until further notice.

According to a database, more than 1,280 shark incidents have been recorded in Australia since 1791, with more than 250 fatalities.