A surfer had a close call with a shark at Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales, where a teenager was previously bitten just months ago. Footage captured on Coast Cam shows surfer Brad Ross in the water alongside a dark shape before an explosion of water occurred. The incident lasted only seconds, and nearby surfers were initially unaware of the danger.

Witnesses described seeing Ross's board sustain significant damage from the shark, which took a large bite out of it. Fortunately, Ross was unharmed. One witness noted that when he heard Ross shout "shark," he immediately checked for blood in the water. Another surfer recalled catching a wave right before the attack and expressed relief that both she and Ross were safe.

Drone footage later revealed a great white shark estimated to be about five meters long in the area. A nearby drum-line set to catch sharks snagged one matching that description but it managed to escape before being tagged. Shark expert Dr. Daryl McPhee indicated that such sharks are common in this region during this time of year due to their pursuit of bait fish and whale migration.

In response to the incident, local authorities closed Cabarita Beach for safety reasons, with Tweed Shire Council's Mayor Chris Cherry warning surfers against taking unnecessary risks by entering the water after such an event.

Original article

The article provides limited actionable information. While it mentions that local authorities closed Cabarita Beach for safety reasons, it does not offer specific steps or advice for surfers or beachgoers on how to stay safe in the future. There are no clear instructions on what individuals should do if they encounter a shark or how to assess the safety of entering the water after such incidents.

In terms of educational depth, the article briefly touches upon why great white sharks are common in that region during certain times of the year, linking their presence to bait fish and whale migration. However, it lacks a deeper exploration of shark behavior, ecology, or safety measures that could help readers understand these dynamics better.

Regarding personal relevance, while the incident is significant for those who surf at Cabarita Beach or similar locations, it does not provide broader implications for readers outside this immediate context. It may raise awareness about shark encounters but does not change day-to-day behaviors or decisions significantly.

The article serves a public service function by reporting on a real incident and warning surfers about potential dangers; however, it fails to provide concrete safety advice or emergency contacts that could be useful in similar situations.

As for practicality of advice, there is little guidance offered that would be actionable for most people. The mention of checking for blood in the water after hearing someone shout "shark" is vague and not particularly helpful as an immediate response strategy.

In terms of long-term impact, while awareness about shark encounters can lead to more cautious behavior among surfers and beachgoers, the article does not provide lasting strategies or insights that would help individuals plan better around such risks in the future.

Emotionally and psychologically, while there may be an element of fear associated with shark attacks highlighted by this incident, the article does not offer reassurance or constructive ways to cope with these fears. It primarily recounts an alarming event without providing hope or empowerment to readers regarding their safety.

Finally, there are elements of clickbait as dramatic language describing close calls with sharks might attract attention without offering substantial content beyond sensationalism. The article could have included more detailed information on how to safely enjoy surfing during peak shark season or resources where readers can learn more about ocean safety practices related to marine wildlife encounters.

To improve its value significantly, the article could have provided links to trusted sources on ocean safety guidelines and suggested ways individuals can educate themselves further about sharks and safe surfing practices through reputable organizations like local marine conservation groups.

The text uses strong words that create fear and urgency. For example, the phrase "close call with a shark" suggests a life-threatening situation, which can make readers feel anxious. This choice of words emphasizes the danger without providing detailed context about how often such encounters happen. It helps to heighten emotional responses rather than present a balanced view of shark interactions.

The text mentions "an explosion of water" when describing the incident with the shark. This vivid imagery can lead readers to visualize a dramatic and chaotic scene, increasing tension in their minds. Such language may distract from the fact that Ross was ultimately unharmed and could create an exaggerated sense of danger surrounding sharks in general.

When describing the witnesses' reactions, phrases like "significant damage" to Ross's board are used. While this sounds alarming, it might downplay that no one was injured during the encounter. By focusing on material damage instead of personal safety, it shifts attention away from what truly matters: Ross's well-being.

The statement about local authorities closing Cabarita Beach for safety reasons implies an immediate threat without discussing how often such closures occur or their effectiveness. This can lead readers to believe that shark attacks are frequent and dangerous in this area when they may not be common at all. The wording creates a sense of urgency that may not reflect reality.

The mention of "shark expert Dr. Daryl McPhee" adds credibility but does not provide specific data or studies backing his claims about great white sharks being common in the region during certain times of year. Without evidence or context for his statements, it could mislead readers into thinking these sharks pose a greater risk than they actually do based on seasonal behavior alone.

The phrase "warning surfers against taking unnecessary risks" suggests that surfers who enter the water after such incidents are reckless or foolish. This framing could unfairly stigmatize surfers who choose to surf despite potential dangers, making them seem irresponsible rather than informed individuals making personal choices based on their own risk assessments.

When mentioning drone footage revealing a five-meter great white shark, there is no discussion about how often such sightings occur or what they mean for beachgoers' safety overall. This selective focus can lead readers to assume that every sighting poses an imminent threat rather than understanding it as part of natural marine behavior where sharks exist in coastal waters regularly.

Lastly, using phrases like "a nearby drum-line set to catch sharks snagged one matching that description but it managed to escape before being tagged" implies inefficiency in managing shark populations without explaining why these measures are taken or their success rates over time. This wording might suggest negligence by authorities while omitting details necessary for understanding broader conservation efforts and challenges faced by wildlife management agencies.

The text presents a range of emotions that contribute to the overall narrative surrounding the shark incident at Cabarita Beach. One prominent emotion is fear, which is evident when witnesses describe the moment Brad Ross shouted "shark." This fear is heightened by the description of the shark's attack on Ross's surfboard, which sustained significant damage. The phrase "explosion of water" evokes a sense of sudden danger and chaos, emphasizing how quickly the situation escalated. The strength of this fear is considerable as it captures not only Ross's immediate reaction but also that of other surfers who were initially unaware of the threat. This emotion serves to create sympathy for those involved and raises awareness about the risks associated with surfing in areas known for shark activity.

Relief emerges as another key emotion when witnesses express gratitude that both Ross and another surfer were unharmed. Phrases like "expressed relief" indicate a strong emotional response to their safety following such a frightening encounter. This relief contrasts sharply with the earlier fear, creating a narrative arc that allows readers to feel a sense of hope amidst danger. By highlighting this relief, the text encourages readers to appreciate moments of safety while acknowledging inherent risks.

Additionally, there is an underlying tension conveyed through descriptions like “great white shark estimated to be about five meters long” and references to local authorities closing Cabarita Beach for safety reasons. These elements evoke concern about public safety and imply urgency in taking precautions against potential future encounters with sharks. The mention of Tweed Shire Council’s Mayor Chris Cherry warning surfers against unnecessary risks further amplifies this tension, suggesting that while surfing can be enjoyable, it must be approached with caution.

The writer employs emotional language strategically throughout the piece to guide reader reactions effectively. Words such as "close call," "significant damage," and “explosion” are chosen not only for their descriptive power but also for their ability to elicit strong feelings from readers—fear in particular stands out here as it compels attention toward potential dangers lurking beneath calm waters. By using vivid imagery and dramatic phrasing, such as describing events unfolding within mere seconds or detailing an escape from capture by a drum-line set for sharks, the writer enhances emotional impact and keeps readers engaged.

Moreover, repetition plays a role in reinforcing these emotions; phrases related to danger are echoed through different parts of the narrative—first through witness accounts and later through expert commentary on shark behavior during certain seasons. This repetition builds trust in what is being communicated while simultaneously instilling caution among readers regarding ocean activities during peak shark migration times.

In summary, emotions like fear and relief are intricately woven into this account surrounding Brad Ross’s encounter with a shark at Cabarita Beach. These feelings shape how readers perceive risk versus safety in ocean environments while prompting them toward cautious behavior without diminishing their enjoyment of surfing itself. Through careful word choice and structural techniques such as repetition, the writer effectively steers reader attention toward understanding both immediate dangers posed by wildlife encounters and broader implications regarding public safety measures.