Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Australia Closes Beaches After Shark Attacks
Australia has closed many beaches on its east coast after four shark attacks in just two days.
Heavy rains made the water murky, which attracts sharks and makes it harder for them to see.
This can cause them to bite if they accidentally bump into something.
One man is in the hospital but stable, another man is in critical condition, a 10-year-old boy was not hurt, and another boy is also in critical condition.
Officials are advising people to stay out of the water and go to local pools instead.
Sharks usually don't attack people, but the bad water conditions make it more likely.
Australia usually has about 20 shark attacks a year, with very few being fatal.
Dozens of beaches on Australia's east coast, including in Sydney, were closed after four shark attacks in two days.
Heavy rains caused murky water, attracting bull sharks and increasing the risk of attacks.
Victims include a man in stable condition, a man in critical condition, a 10-year-old boy unharmed, and another boy in critical condition.
All beaches in the Northern Beaches council area will remain closed until further notice.
Sharks do not normally attack humans, but turbid water reduces their visibility and raises the risk of accidental bites.
- Who
- Surfers and beachgoers, including a 10-year-old boy
- What
- Four shark attacks in two days leading to beach closures
- When
- Tuesday and Monday, during the Southern Hemisphere summer
- Where
- East coast of Australia, including Sydney and Port Macquarie
- Why
- Heavy rains caused murky water, attracting sharks and increasing the risk of attacks
- Location
- East coast of Australia, including Sydney and Port Macquarie
- Number of Attacks
- 4 in two days
- Victims
- 1 man in stable condition, 1 man in critical condition, 1 boy unharmed, 1 boy in critical condition
- Cause
- Heavy rains causing murky water and increased shark activity
- Beach Closures
- Dozens of beaches closed, including all in Northern Beaches council area
- Shark Species
- Bull sharks
- Annual Shark Attacks in Australia
- Around 20, with fewer than 3 fatalities