The shark net going in at Quinns Beach this week will provide reassurance for parents of children learning to swim this summer.
That’s the view of experienced lifesaver Mike Spiby, the surf and ski coach at Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club.
Mr Spiby, who has been involved in the surf lifesaving movement since 1984, said the shark barrier would bring confidence to the club’s 700 Nippers.
“There are always sharks there, but they’ve gone from back of mind to front of mind,” he said.
“I think it gives you a bit of reassurance. It’s good for the kids, good for their confidence.
“Our Nippers program will be strong, and kids will learn to swim in the surf safely.”
Mr Spiby, who volunteered for years at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club in Victoria, felt for the Sorrento community following last month’s fatal attack.
“I think any time there’s an incident like that, it traumatizes the entire community,” he said.
“Whether you’re at Quinns or Trigg or Cottesloe, it goes through the whole association.
“So, when you lose a member like that, and so close to shore and just doing what you love doing, and to go like that, it’s very, very sad for the whole community.
“It affects the family, the club, the first responders, and the whole State; everyone feels it.
“We are a sea-based community. If you look where our population of WA is, we are coastal based, and it’s a large part of our lives.”
Local Chloe Venning said the shark net was “fantastic”.
“Obviously with the sad news for Sorrento, it’s a great way to protect the community, give that extra protection and peace of mind to feel more comfortable to go in the ocean,” she said.
“I respect it’s their (sharks) home, but it’s part of our culture living here as well. So it (the barrier) is a way that we can potentially both enjoy the joys of the water.”
Quinns Rocks resident Kris Hennings was among residents watching contractors roll out the shark net for summer at the City of Wanneroo beach on Tuesday.
“I bring my children here,” he said.
“It’s safer for the kids, because of the lifesavers as well.”
A local couple said they were regular visitors to the beach and brought their three children to swim at Quinns when the shark net was in each summer.