Shark bite incidents are rare, but when they happen, every second counts. That’s why shark bite kits on the Northern Beaches are becoming an important safety tool, giving swimmers and surfers the resources to control severe bleeding until paramedics arrive.
Community Shark Bite Kits are the initiative of Danny Schouten, who is a friend of shark bite survivor Kai McKenzie. In July 2024, Kai lost his leg during an unprovoked shark-human interaction at North Shore Beach, Port Macquarie. Inspired by that event and other serious interactions in the region, Danny developed the kits to provide essential tools for managing severe blood loss, the most immediate threat in a shark bite emergency.
“The kits have the essentials to control bleeding, plua step-by-step instructions, making it really easy for anybody to be able to help and anybody to be able to potentially save a life,” Danny explains. “I hope to achieve safety for not only my community where it started, but also for hopefully lots of communities around Australia.”
“Surfing is just who we are; it’s what we do. We accept that we’re going into shark territory, but we could be better prepared for this, for sure. We can’t predict when it’s going to happen, but hopefully we can provide the best chance of survival when it does.”
What’s Inside A Shark Bite Kit
Each kit costs under $60 and contains vital items designed for rapid response:
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incident management cards
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a SOF tourniquet
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two conforming bandages
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two large dressings
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an emergency blanket
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an emergency whistle
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night trial gloves
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a parts bag
Tourniquets and bandages are the primary life-saving tools, while the parts bag is included not to treat the wound but to keep any severed body parts safe until medical staff arrive.
Community Training and Hands-On Workshops
Alongside the kits, Community Shark Bite Kits has teamed up with Pro Guarding and Surfing NSW to offer free, hands-on training sessions for surfers and beachgoers. These workshops focus on tourniquet application and severe trauma management, skills that could save a life in the critical minutes before professional help arrives. So far, only two sessions have been held, in Bonny Hills and Forster, but locals are encouraged to follow Community Shark Bite Kits for updates on future events which may soon be offered locally.
Why Shark-Human Interactions May Be Increasing
Experts note that conditions such as heavy rainfall and murky water can bring bull sharks closer to shore. NSW beaches are responding with multiple safety measures: extra drones to monitor areas, government funding supports research and tracking, and traditional tools such as nets, SMART drumlines, and listening stations. Beachgoers are advised to stay alert near estuaries, river mouths, or in low-light conditions, and to use the SharkSmart app for real-time alerts and safety tips.
How the Kits Are Being Received
The kits have drawn mixed reactions. Some locals find them confronting, but many see them as a practical safety measure. Survivors and advocacy groups support wider deployment, and currently, 201 kits are installed across Australia.
On the Northern Beaches, kits are located at South Curl Curl Beach, North Turrimetta Beach, Fisherman’s Beach, and Shelly Beach, with funding available for more across NSW, though exact locations are still being confirmed.
For convenience, you can also purchase and keep a kit in your car or beach bag, so help is always within reach, no matter where you are.
Together with SharkSmart alerts, signage, and information sessions, these kits empower locals and visitors with the tools and skills to respond and hopefully save a life if a shark bite occurs.
For More Information:
Bite Aid – Community SBK: https://www.instagram.com/communitysbk/?hl=en
Pro Guarding Shark Kit Training Sessions: https://proguarding.com.au/blogs/news/community-shark-bite-kit-training-course
Shark Aid Locations Map: maps.app.goo.gl
SharkSmart NSW https://www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/
Story by Evie Scully
