Socio Economic Benefits of Safe Swimming Areas from Safer Swimming Australia
Whilst there has been no formal research or study done into the benefits of creating safe swimming spaces, anecdotal reports suggest that they are bringing many positive benefits to the communities installing them. Installing a Beach enclosure or barrier net is all about giving people confidence. Confidence that they can safely take their family swimming at the beach.
Great feeling of safety from sharks… making it a very relaxed swim. I wish more popular beaches were able to install these enclosures. Hopefully the net will stay there permanently
Leanne Groser
When installed at popular beaches, like Busselton, the swimming enclosure itself becomes an attraction. Installing safe swimming areas creates tangible social benefits for communities.
People seek peace of mind and a feeling of safety when entering the water within the enclosure. The installation of the inflatable water park during the Summer months at Busselton is a great example of how creating a safe swimming space can then lead to other activations, and attract visitors.
Additionally, the swimming enclosure from Safer Swimming Australia also gives parents peace of mind by creating a clearly demarcated area for kids to swim within, plus the top float line is a safe, buoyant place for swimmers to rest. Plus after time in the water, barrier nets attract algae and over time grow into a mini marine microcosm, attracting fish, and this makes for interesting snorkelling.
Swimmer
Confidence
Installing beach enclosures or swimming barriers boosts public confidence by creating safe, clearly defined areas for families to enjoy the water. At popular spots like Busselton, these enclosures not only give peace of mind (especially for parents) but also become attractions in their own right, supporting community wellbeing and tourism. Seasonal features like inflatable water parks further liven up the space, attracting visitors and promoting recreational use. Over time, the enclosure surface can even develop into a small marine habitat, offering opportunities for snorkelling and marine observation.
Cost
Effective
Local Governments generally oversee the installation and maintenance of beach enclosures, with State or Federal funding often covering only the initial purchase, not the entire lifecycle costs. That upfront expenditure involves securing beach anchors and installing the barrier itself, but ongoing costs vary depending on deployment complexity, team size, and biofouling. To control costs and extend the lifespan, seasonal removal (particularly during winter) is strongly advised. This enables high-pressure cleaning, detailed inspections, and protection from storm damage. Safer Swimming Australia’s enclosure system is designed for easy retrieval and redeployment, helping councils maintain safe, sustainable swimming zones year after year.
Sustainability
While swimmer safety remains the main priority, Safer Swimming Australia’s enclosures are designed with marine conservation in mind and meet three key standards: preventing by-catch, minimising installation impact, and allowing natural seagrass movement. Approved by marine biologists and rigorously tested, these barriers have recorded zero entanglement incidents over nine years of use. Unlike shark nets used on the East Coast, which indiscriminately capture marine life, these enclosures feature highly visible, rigid mesh that deters animals safely. Installation is quick and low-impact, maintaining access to popular beaches. A pressure-sensitive mechanism also allows seagrass wracks to pass through, ensuring the barrier works harmoniously with the ocean’s natural rhythms.