Swim 1: Scorching Bay, Miramar

"Just be aware," said the lifeguard, "that half an hour ago we spotted a shark, a young Bronze Whaler, about two metres long, swimming in the shallows."

"Oh, um, that's interesting," I said, pulling on my wetsuit.

"It swam off. Should be safe enough, but if we spot it again we'll close the beach."

The water was cold and clear. Underwater visibility was roughly three metres ... about the length of a young Bronze Whaler. I'd planned to swim out, but thought better of it. In the presence of a shark, the shallows seemed deep enough.