Overview
- Council confirmation sets Northern Beaches to reopen on Friday with lifeguards, jet ski patrols, increased aerial surveillance and extra drum lines, with each beach assessed on site.
- NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said she expects more beaches to reopen over the Australia Day long weekend, while noting local councils make the final calls.
- Several beaches including Bronte, Maroubra and Cronulla remained closed on Thursday, with updates advised for swimmers planning long‑weekend visits.
- Experts link the recent cluster to wet, murky conditions that draw baitfish and reduce visibility, and they urge swimmers to avoid murky water and dawn or dusk sessions.
- Two victims, 12‑year‑old Nico Antic and 27‑year‑old Andre De Ruyter, remain in critical condition, while Paul Zvirzdinas suffered minor injuries and an 11‑year‑old was unharmed after a board bite.