Big swim-out show of solidarity for shark attack victim
The day swimmer Leah Stewart was mauled by a great white shark, the sky was blue and there was a gentle breeze.
A week later, the same picture-perfect conditions that greeted his community appeared appropriate as thousands of people returned to the water on Sunday, many for the first time since the shocking attack.
The 35-year-old mother remains in critical condition after undergoing multiple surgeries, including arm amputation, since the incident on June 13.
Despite Ms Stewart swimming among the flags and “doing all the right things”, a great white shark, a protected species, is thought to be responsible for the incident.
At least 1,000 people attended the swim on Sunday, led by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Randwick City Council, and thousands more gathered on the beach to show their support.
Surveillance drones, lifeguards on jet skis, inflatable rescue boats and 20 rescue board paddlers monitored the swimmers to keep them safe.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief Steven Pearce, who attended the swim, said there was no doubt the improved safety measures had helped reassure those fearful of returning to the beach.
“There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky and the water clarity was extremely clear so we could see everything… it was a gorgeous morning,” he told AAP.
“It was a really welcoming environment. It really reinforced what the Australian community is all about, coming out and embracing the community.”
Local MP and active lifeguard Marjorie O’Neill said the swimming pool was a great display of community spirit and support from all ages and backgrounds.
“For most people in our community, water is where we relax, it’s a safe space… it’s where you go at the end of the day to detox from what’s going on,” he told AAP.
“So what happened to Leah last week shook our community.
“So this was an event that would bring us together, get us back on the water, put our arms around each other, put our arms around Leah and her family, and raise some money for them too.”
Following the swim, the local surf club hosted a barbecue and bake sale with proceeds going to the Stewart family.
The attack reignited calls for shark populations to be culled to protect swimmers, but Prime Minister Chris Minns said the great white shark population could not be targeted because it was protected.
But he acknowledged that a rethink was needed on how to approach the issue of sharks following the bull shark attacks in January.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority granted temporary exemptions to aerial surveillance of Coogee Beach following the attack.
The beach is approximately eight kilometers from Sydney Airport.
Shark nets, which were temporarily removed during the winter whale migration season, will be reinstalled in early September.
A GoFundMe page set up to assist Ms. Stewart’s recovery process, access to prosthetics, rehabilitation and ongoing care has raised more than $460,000.
