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Cottesloe’s beaches were open when ABC News reported on October 3, 2026, but that is not live confirmation for October 4. The Town of Cottesloe temporarily closed North Cottesloe and The Cove on September 23 after a reported shark sighting, then reopened both at 10:40 a.m. Check the Town’s current beach conditions and SharkSmart alerts before swimming, and obey any signs or closure notices.
Is Cottesloe Beach closed because of a shark?
The September 23 closure was temporary. The Town of Cottesloe said a member of the public reported a shark about 50 metres offshore from North Cottesloe Beach. The Town described it as roughly 4 metres long; those dimensions and distance were reported, not independently confirmed measurements.
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Shark alarms sounded at North Cottesloe and The Cove, and a helicopter circled the area. The Town said both beaches reopened at 10:40 a.m. after there were no further sightings. Town of Cottesloe incident update, September 23.
Is Cottesloe Beach open today?
ABC News reported on October 3 that Cottesloe beaches were open at the time of its report. That dated report does not establish the live status on October 4, and beach conditions can change. Before entering the water, check the Town of Cottesloe’s beach conditions and safety information and SharkSmart alerts.
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There was also a separate, broader warning: on October 1, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) advised additional caution across Perth metropolitan waters amid continuing reported sightings and tagged-shark detections. It told beach users to follow closures advised by local government rangers or Surf Life Saving WA. This metropolitan warning is distinct from the September 23 Cottesloe closure. DPIRD and SharkSmart news and alerts.
Where was the shark sighted, and which beaches closed?
The Town placed the reported sighting about 50 metres offshore from North Cottesloe Beach. Its notice said alarms were sounded at North Cottesloe and The Cove, and both beaches were closed until further notice before reopening at 10:40 a.m. on September 23.
Nearby closures reported in early October had a different cause and location. SharkSmart said beaches in the City Beach area remained closed on October 1 after a whale carcass was removed, with possible residue noted as an attractant. ABC News reported on October 3 that City Beach, Floreat and Swanbourne had been closed following the carcass, while Cottesloe was open at the time of its report. Do not assume another beach is open or closed based on Cottesloe’s status; check its local authority’s updates.
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- Check current Town of Cottesloe beach conditions and SharkSmart alerts immediately before you go.
- If a beach is closed, follow the signs and do not enter the water. The Town says closures after a shark sighting or incident must be observed.
- Follow instructions from local government rangers and Surf Life Saving WA, including at beaches other than Cottesloe.
- Report a shark sighting to Water Police on 9442 8600. DPIRD says the number is staffed 24/7; reports can prompt responses such as a lifeguard or land manager closing a beach. DPIRD guidance for reporting a shark sighting.
What safety measures are at Cottesloe?
The Town lists beach patrols, a protected swimming enclosure, Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs, and warning systems at North Cottesloe and The Cove surf break. It says the Spectur warning systems were donated by DPIRD. These measures do not override a closure notice or replace checking current conditions.
DPIRD’s 2024–25 annual report says the WA Government provided the Town with $400,000 to replace the Cottesloe Beach enclosure, which was installed in November 2024. The report also records 23 white sharks tagged in 2024–25; that figure is a statewide program context, not a count of sharks at Cottesloe or a measure of the September sighting. ABC News reported that the enclosure is usually installed ahead of summer around the end of October, with an earlier installation planned for 2026 subject to weather and seaweed movement. DPIRD Annual Report 2024–25.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What local swimmers decided
ABC News reported that PodSquad, a Cottesloe ocean-swimming group, paused its daily 2-kilometre morning swim. Its founder, Shane McGurk, said the group would take a break even though Cottesloe beaches were open at the time. That was the group’s own decision, not an official beach closure.
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