Easter holidaymakers have been warned to remain on the lookout for a great white shark seen cruising close to shore at a popular beach in the country’s south earlier this week.

Plane and drone searches are continuing after a 4.5m great white was spotted at Aldinga Beach, south of Adelaide, last weekend. South Australia Police advise a siren will sound if the shark is sighted and they are asking beachgoers to remain vigilant.

Yahoo News reported on Monday that AFL fans visiting Adelaide for last weekend’s Gather Round were shocked to see the huge shark when visiting the beach. “We’re keeping our eyes open for sure,” one witness said.

That’s the approach police want people to have while at Aldinga and nearby beaches over the busy Easter break. In conjunction with partner agencies, the SA Police Water Operations Unit will have increased water patrols over the Easter long weekend, paying particular attention to the Aldinga Beach area.

“We want the public to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but to do so safely,” Senior Sergeant Andrew Suter from South Australia Police’s Water Operations Unit said on Thursday.

“While authorities are monitoring the loitering shark in the vicinity of Aldinga Beach, we encourage beachgoers to be vigilant and adhere to all rules and regulations when on the water.”

Shark Watch SA said they would be continuing drone surveillance on Friday but after a week of searching it suspected the shark may have moved further south. Shark Watch also advised a sighting of a bronze whaler shark on Thursday at Maslin Beach, just north of Aldinga.

Great white movements along SA beaches ‘unpredictable’

Scientist Dr Michael Drew with the South Australian Research and Development Institute said white sharks can visit the region’s beaches at any time of year and their behaviour can be unpredictable.

“The near-shore coastal marine environment is an important habitat for juvenile and sub-adult (up to 4m) white sharks as it provides access to preferred prey species, such as small-bodied sharks, rays, and larger fish species like Australian salmon and snapper,” he said.

Surf lifesavers will have one jet rescue boat dedicated to patrolling Adelaide’s southern beaches over the long weekend. A second jet boat will be available for the northern beaches. These patrols will take place between 10am and 6pm each day.

Visitors to South Australia’s beaches are asked to take the following precautions:

  • Swimmers should not enter murky waters, deep channels and areas next to river mouths

  • Avoid swimming near food sources like large schools of fish

  • Use the Beachsafe App to check for safety information on the beach you are visiting.

Fishers are reminded that using blood, bone, meat, offal or animal skin (other than a fish, worm or insect) is prohibited in South Australian waters. Offences can be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

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