Australia has already had a large number of shark attacks in the past, but recently shark attack rates have been on the rise. Four attacks have been reported in the last 72 hours, three in Sydney and one in New South Wales. These shark attacks have led to Australia closing beaches from the public. 

All of the attacks came after heavy rain, according to the BBC, rain brings more nutrients into the water, bringing sharks closer to the shore. Shark attacks have been presumed to be cases of mistaken identity, often believing that surfers are fish. One small boy and a grown man have both suffered life changing injuries with fatal bites to their legs.

One of the victims suffered a chest injury from a shark bite and was sent to the hospital right away. Sharks are going very close to the beach, as a 12 year old boy was bitten by a large shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. According to the BBC, Australia is already a hotspot for shark attacks, but four attacks in three days is a rare phenomenon.

Police have warned people to stay away from murky waterways, as the rain has attracted them to waterways. River mouths are also an area where sharks congregate, making most of the water unsafe to people. All beaches in Sydney’s northern area are closed until further notice, according to police. Despite all warnings, some tourists are still going into unprotected areas and getting critically injured or dying from shark attacks. Police urge the public to “just go to a pool” instead of the ocean.

While shark attacks are rare, four shark attacks in a matter of three days is definitely a significant increase in risk.