Shark warning as Perth beaches closed: City beach closed to swimmers due to ongoing shark threat

The metropolitan beach where a whale carcass caused a great white shark feeding frenzy this week will remain closed until Monday and maybe beyond, as authorities warn the threat of sharks to swimmers and surfers remains.

Town of Cambridge mayor Gary Mack said the closure - which also affects Floreat and City beaches - would remain while there is evidence of sharks in the area.

The decomposing whale was finally removed from the beach and taken to landfill on Thursday, but not before it lured white sharks up to 5m long into the shallows and a sea of mesmerised onlookers to the sand to witness a side of nature rarely seen so close to shore.

Council workers and contractors spent Friday clearing the beach of remnants, including excavating any sand visibly affected by whale fluids.

But there remains strong fears that lingering residue from where the carcass sat beached for more than two days will continue to draw sharks to the area.

“All Town of Cambridge beaches will remain closed to water users through the weekend because residual material may continue to attract sharks close to shore and further assessment of marine water quality is required,” Mr Mack said.

Despite the closures, warnings and obvious danger at South City Beach in recent days, The West Australian spotted several people taking a dip on Friday at nearby Cottesloe Beach - which has also remained closed because of the whale.

One family paddling in the shallows said they were aware of the closures but didn’t think it was “that bad” being so close to shore. Others were seen swimming in deeper water.

Cottesloe beach is expected to reopen this weekend, just days before its summer shark barrier is scheduled for installation.

Swanbourne Beach — between Cottesloe and South City beaches — will “remain closed until further notice”, according to the City of Nedlands.

As well as the shark threat, water quality at South City beach will be analysed before people are allowed to return to the water.

“The Town plans to collect water samples on Monday and will review shark activity, official alerts, water conditions and agency advice before making a further decision prior to Tuesday,” Mr Mack said.

“The affected beach and sand have been thoroughly cleaned and remediated. Where beach access is open, people may use the sand, but they must not swim, surf, paddle or allow dogs to enter the water.”

Surf Life Saving WA confirmed its Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service will continue daily patrols, urging beachgoers to obey local signage and council closures.

The current closures also applies to pets.