Surf titles to proceed despite Pro getting axe

SURF Life Saving Australia will press on with its national titles in Perth despite the cancellation of the World Surf League event in Western Australia due to the threat of shark attacks.

The WSL yesterday made the unprecedented move to cancel the remainder of the Margaret River Pro after two separate shark attacks near Gracetown in southwestern Western Australia on Monday.

WSL boss Sophie Goldschmidt sent a letter to surfers informing them the event would be cancelled after the organisation decided the “elevated risk” had “crossed the threshold for what is acceptable”.

But with the Aussies being held at Perth’s Scarborough Beach, almost 300km north of Margaret River, SLSA officials have decided to press on.

A spokeswoman said Australian championships organisers had been keeping a “watching brief” on the shark incidents.

“The Australian Surf Life Saving Championship organisers monitor, assess and review conditions in real time through the WA Government Sharksmart website, and are in direct communication with SLSWA, Surfcom and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter, with no recent reports of shark activity in the area,” the spokeswoman said.

“Surf Life Saving’s existing controls and risk mitigation strategies are constantly being reviewed and are currently assessed as effective.

“The competition committee, and the event’s safety committee, in consultation with athletes, team managers and officials have confirmed the competition will proceed.

“Event organisers continue to consult with athletes, safety experts, team managers, water police and council.”

More than 6000 competitors are taking part in the Aussies, one of the biggest sporting events in the country this year.