Bronze whaler shark spotted in shallow waters near Bunbury’s Jetty Baths beach, alert in place

A shark has been spotted just metres offshore at a Bunbury beach popular among children and families.

A 2½m-long bronze whaler was reportedly spotted 5m offshore at the Casuarina Boat Harbour near the Jetty Baths Beach.

It is believed a member of the public was swimming nearby when he saw the shark and alerted authorities about 1.30pm on Thursday.

The beach has not been closed, but a warning sign has been erected.

The popular park and playground facilities at the beach were only reopened last month after a significant refurbishment as part of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project and sits in front of the Vat II restaurant.

That close to shore, the water is no more than a metre deep.

While bronze whalers are not naturally aggressive, they can still pose a danger to humans.

The shark has not been reported at any other locations around Bunbury.