Swimming has been banned in a Pacific tourist hotspot for a year after a spate of shark attacks.
The city council of Noumea in New Caledonia has prohibited all swimming within 300m of the Noumea coastline.
Swimmers are allowed in a supervised area on one beach while lifeguards are on duty.
People will be allowed in the water between 8.45am and 4pm on Lemon Bay, but won’t be allowed more than 20m from shore.
The ban will remain in place as the council prepares to install shark nets on the beaches.
The swimming ban came after an Australian tourist was killed swimming off Chateau-Royal beach in Noumea in February.
Sydney dad Chris Davis was swimming about 150m off shore when he was mauled by a four-metre tiger shark.
He died at the scene despite efforts to revive him.
It marked the second attack in a matter of weeks in the same location.
The council notes that while people aren’t allowed in the water, the beaches remain open for people on the sand.
Swimming is allowed on beaches outside the Noumea council area.
New Caledonia is one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
A former French colony, the island is now a territory treated as part of Overseas France, with representatives and senators in French parliament.
Only a few hours’ flight from Australia, New Caledonia is famed for its beautiful beaches.
Source: 9news
