Glenn Johns, a former police diver with over 20 years of experience, is urging the public to refrain from swimming in unprotected areas of Sydney Harbour after a recent tragic incident. Johns, who has been involved in recovering victims from shark attacks and other tragedies, believes the risk of encountering sharks in open waters should not be taken lightly. His warning comes hot on the heels of the death of a 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, who was reportedly bitten by a bull shark while swimming near a rock ledge at Hermitage Foreshore Walk, a location frequented by swimmers.

Local charter boat businesses acknowledge the concerns raised by Johns but emphasize the importance of enjoying the ocean responsibly. They argue that while caution is necessary, people should not be overly fearful of the water to the point of avoiding it altogether. Instead, they advocate for being 'shark smart' and swimming only in netted areas that provide a certain level of protection from shark encounters. Authorities echo this sentiment, encouraging residents and tourists alike to make informed choices when it comes to water safety.

As the summer season approaches, the heightened risk of shark activity in coastal waters raises ongoing debates about swimming safety. The tragic incident involving young Nico has sparked calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to safeguard swimmers. The discussions around swimming safety in places like Sydney Harbour highlight the broader issues of how communities balance recreational enjoyment of the ocean with the potential dangers it poses, especially in light of recent encounters with sharks in the area.