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Steven Payne, 37, was surfing at Wharton Beach near Esperance, Western Australia, on 10 March 2025 when a large shark attacked him. A coronial inquest later found it was very unlikely that a shark deterrent would have prevented this particular attack. Payne’s remains were never recovered.
What happened at Wharton Beach
Payne was sitting on his surfboard with two other surfers about 60 metres from shore when the shark appeared behind him, according to the account of the inquest findings. His surfboard was later recovered with visible bite marks; his remains were not found. ABC News reported the inquest details on 15 August 2025.
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The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s SharkSmart alert recorded a report at approximately 12:17 pm on 10 March. It said a surfboard had been recovered, the surfer remained missing, and authorities had closed the beach. SharkSmart’s alerts recorded that Wharton Beach had reopened by 12 March, with DPIRD advising extra caution. Those are historical updates, not a statement of the beach’s status today.
What the coroner concluded about shark deterrents
Payne owned a SharkBanz device but was not wearing it when he was attacked. Acting State Coroner Sarah Linton concluded that it was very unlikely any device would have prevented this attack, which appeared to involve a high-speed approach from some distance. As ABC quoted Linton: “Therefore, even if Steve had been wearing his device or another similar device, it is unlikely to have made any difference to the outcome.” This is a case-specific conclusion; it does not establish how every deterrent performs in every model, shark encounter or set of conditions.
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- SIMPLE, SAFE TECHNOLOGY - No Batteries, No Charging; Always on. Lightweight (3 oz). Wear on your ankle or wrist. Waterproof to 100M / 330 ft. TSA and Airline Travel Friendly. Magnetic Shielded Box included for safe storage.
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What the reported figures do—and do not—show
ABC News, citing the Australian Shark Incident Database, reported 1,285 shark incidents recorded since 1791. It also reported that six attacked people were wearing a shark deterrent; five of those six incidents involved a provoked shark. These figures provide context but do not establish that deterrents prevent attacks or that the incidents are directly comparable to Payne’s case. ABC’s account of the inquest and figures.
The same ABC report said Western Australia introduced a $200 subsidy scheme in 2017 and that more than 9,400 people had accessed it. Those are historical reported figures, not confirmation that a subsidy is available now.
Rank #2
- EFFECTIVE SHARK DETERRENT - Using patented magnetic technology, Sharkbanz overwhelm sharks’ electroreceptors causing a highly unpleasant sensation that turns sharks away. Technology based on proven science, published research, and testing by the Western Australian Government and verified by an independent third party University.
- SIMPLE, SAFE TECHNOLOGY - No Batteries, No Charging; Always on. Lightweight (3 oz). Wear on your ankle or wrist. Waterproof to 100M / 330 ft. TSA and Airline Travel Friendly. Magnetic Shielded Box included for safe storage.
- WORN BY OCEAN PROFESSIONALS & FAMILIES - Universal Fit, Ages 5+. Our mission is to provide greater ocean safety for everyone. Wear one or multiple for greater coverage. Hundreds of testimonials from swimmers, divers, Navy SEALS, triathletes, pro surfers, and ocean athletes of all ages and backgrounds.
- PREMIUM MANUFACTURING - Ergonomic design and premium materials used for enhanced comfort and durability, including soft silicone band and stainless steel Sharkbanz can be worn over or under wetsuits and will not affect ocean athletic performance. This product is fully guaranteed against faulty workmanship and materials for 3 years.
- AWARD WINNING & TRUSTED PRODUCT - Winner of Popular Science’s Greatest Innovations, Weather Channel Best Summer Tech, Forbes Best Health Tech, and many more. Sharkbanz has been trusted and used as a way to reduce the risk and enjoy greater peace of mind since 2015 from customers around the world.
Checking current conditions before visiting
For a current shark activity update, check the official SharkSmart activity map and alerts before heading to the water. Follow any live closure notices, beach signs and ranger instructions; the March 2025 reopening notice should not be treated as current clearance.
Quick Recap
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- Engineered magnetic technology: Designed to disrupt sharks' electroreceptors (Ampullae of Lorenzini) to help create a 1-2m deterrent zone for added peace of mind during ocean activities.
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- EFFECTIVE SHARK DETERRENT - Using patented magnetic technology, Sharkbanz overwhelm sharks’ electroreceptors causing a highly unpleasant sensation that turns sharks away. Technology based on proven science, published research, and testing by the Western Australian Government and verified by an independent third party University.
- SIMPLE, SAFE TECHNOLOGY - No Batteries, No Charging; Always on. Lightweight (3 oz). Wear on your ankle or wrist. Waterproof to 100M / 330 ft. TSA and Airline Travel Friendly. Magnetic Shielded Box included for safe storage.
- WORN BY OCEAN PROFESSIONALS & FAMILIES - Universal Fit, Ages 5+. Our mission is to provide greater ocean safety for everyone. Wear one or multiple for greater coverage. Hundreds of testimonials from swimmers, divers, Navy SEALS, triathletes, pro surfers, and ocean athletes of all ages and backgrounds.
- PREMIUM MANUFACTURING - Ergonomic design and premium materials used for enhanced comfort and durability, including soft silicone band and stainless steel Sharkbanz can be worn over or under wetsuits and will not affect ocean athletic performance. This product is fully guaranteed against faulty workmanship and materials for 3 years.
- AWARD WINNING & TRUSTED PRODUCT - Winner of Popular Science’s Greatest Innovations, Weather Channel Best Summer Tech, Forbes Best Health Tech, and many more. Sharkbanz has been trusted and used as a way to reduce the risk and enjoy greater peace of mind since 2015 from customers around the world.
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