As the sun kissed the horizon and the waves lapped gently at the shores of Boomerang Beach, near Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast, a family holiday took a turn towards the thrilling and educational. Filip Chatys, his wife Graza, and their three children were enjoying the early moments of their vacation with a stroll along the picturesque coastline. The scene was set for a perfect day by the sea, but what lay beneath the surface was a stark reminder of the wild and unpredictable nature of Australia's marine environment.

Graza, an avid swimmer accustomed to her morning dips near their Terrigal home, felt the irresistible pull of the ocean's blue expanse. Yet, unfamiliar with the local conditions, she sought her husband's opinion on the safety of a swim. Filip, a wildlife enthusiast with a keen eye for adventure, decided to employ modern technology for peace of mind. He launched his drone into the sky, expecting nothing more than a bird's-eye view of the serene waters.


To his astonishment, the drone's camera revealed a large, mature shark, its sleek form cutting through the water just 50 metres from the unsuspecting beachgoers. This startling discovery was enough for Graza to reconsider her swim, as the evidence of potential danger was too close for comfort. Filip, who has been documenting his family's adventures online, shared this experience with Yahoo News, emphasizing the proximity of the sharks they encountered throughout their five-day stay.


The encounters didn't end there. Later, during an afternoon beach visit with his children, Filip spotted another shark about 100 metres away from a group of kids enjoying the water. Although this shark seemed disinterested in getting closer, the sight was a poignant moment for Filip to teach his children about respecting and understanding wildlife.


Drone footage of these majestic creatures serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when enjoying Australia's beautiful waters. Sharks are known to hunt at dawn and dusk, taking advantage of the low light to stealthily approach their prey. Professor David Raubenheimer, speaking to Yahoo, suggested that the shark Filip captured on camera was likely a bronze whaler, identifiable by its curved snout. The professor explained that hunting during these times allows sharks to approach with the sun behind them, rendering them less visible to their prey.

This behavior was further elucidated in a study led by Flinders shark ecologist Dr Charlie Huveneers, published in 2015. After observing dozens of great whites, Dr Huveneers noted that on sunny days, sharks altered their direction of approach to keep the sun at their backs, while on overcast days, their approach was non-directional.

Filip's experience is a powerful reminder to all of us, especially those visiting unfamiliar beaches, to remain aware of our surroundings. Australia's waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, which are an essential part of the ecosystem. While encounters like these can be unnerving, they also offer an opportunity to appreciate the complexity and beauty of the natural world.


For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we encourage you to always check local advisories before taking a dip in the ocean, especially during the early morning or late evening. And if you're keen on technology, consider using a drone to get a better understanding of the environment, just as Filip did. It's a wonderful way to ensure safety while also getting a unique glimpse into the lives of the creatures that share our coasts.
Have you had any close encounters with marine life during your beach visits? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's continue to celebrate and respect the weird and wonderful aspects of Australia's environment.