A group of Year 12 students have ignored shark safety warnings and beach closure signs for a mass dip at Cottesloe Beach.
About 100 students took to the water within the Cottesloe shark barrier enclosure on Thursday, only about 1km from where a whale carcass were found beached earlier. Some adventurous students swam out as far as the Cottesloe’s famed pylon.
Local beaches, including the enclosed safe swimming spot, were closed after whale remains were found washed up at Dutch Inn Beach at 6am on Thursday. Public safety warnings were also issued after sharks were seen in the area.
The school group were dressed in uniform and watched on and encouraged by parents and supporters.
Images seen by The West Australian show the majority of the school group running into the shallow water. One student even lays down a “no swimming” sign before joining the group in the waves.
The mass beach swim has become a traditional end-of-school celebration for several western suburbs schools. It allows that year’s graduates to let off steam before they head into their final exams and is now a rite-of-passage ritual celebrated by many school communities.
Cottesloe council only installed the summer shark barrier at the popular swimming beach last week, after the process was delayed by anticipated big swells.
The safe swimming area was closed last year after a 1.5m bronze whaler was spotted circling inside the barrier and just 60m offshore. The eco-friendly barrier is constructed to allow for some marine life to move in and out of the area, although it is rare for a shark to make it past the net.
Further controversy ensued when a beachgoer fired a speargun into the shark, attempting to reel it in. The shark was later able to swim out of the barrier, the speargun operator found and fined $200.
The Town of Cottesloe said on Thursday the city’s beaches would remain closed until Friday morning, while the carcass was removed and beach conditions were reassessed.
“All of Cottesloe’s beaches are CLOSED until further notice. This includes the main beach enclosed swimming area within the shark barrier. Do not enter the water at any of Cottesloe’s beaches while the beaches are closed,” the council said in a statement.