NICK Panhuber, [Newcastle Herald, January 26] reckons you have more chance of being hit by a bus while crossing the road to get to a beach than being bitten by a shark.
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According to the Australian Shark Attack File kept by researchers at Sydney's Taronga Conservation Society, there have been 976 shark attacks in Australia since records began in 1971; 232 of which have been fatal.
Eleven of those have been in the Newcastle area.
There is an average of one fatal attack every year.
Most of those victims did not see the shark until the attack occurred.
I would add that it is somewhat easier to see a bus than a shark.
I still think it is wiser not to swim in the surf while sharks are known to be in the area.
Just saying.
Peter Mason
Lemon Tree Passage
