A British man who recently relocated to Australia has faced sharp criticism from locals after sharing a video of himself swimming at a Melbourne beach at dusk, with many warning he was risking a shark attack.
Instagram Video Sparks Safety Debate
Tom Crompton, who moved to Australia last year, posted an Instagram video showing him enjoying a sunset swim at a Melbourne beach on a Monday evening. In the clip, he expressed his enthusiasm for his new life, saying, "It's currently 9pm on a Monday night in Australia and I've come out for a little swim." He highlighted the stunning sunset, remarking, "Look at all the colours in the sky right now. Look how beautiful those colours are. That is absolutely insane." Crompton added that this experience was a key reason for his move, noting he had work the next morning but was simply enjoying a swim.
Local Warnings Over Shark Dangers
Australians were quick to respond, pointing out the heightened risks of swimming at dusk due to shark feeding patterns. One commenter warned, "Good way to get yourself killed. Hope no other tourist listens to your videos. Watch from the beach." Another said sarcastically, "Tell your family to create the GoFundMe now. Get a head start," while a third advised, "I wouldn't swim at sunset or dawn in Australia, mate. Sharks feed at those times." These reactions come amid a spate of shark attacks in Australia over the past year, some of which have been fatal.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Not all responses were negative; some expressed envy or defended Crompton's actions. One Australian commented, "I love this for you. Too bad we were drilled at no swimming at dawn or dusk from the age of three. So, we can't enjoy it like you." Another noted regional differences, saying, "Actually, in Melbourne they're pretty safe. I've done it and literally nothing is trying to kill them there. In Queensland you wouldn't though." This highlights a divide in perceptions of safety across Australian beaches.
Recent Shark Attacks in Australia
Early morning and sunset are peak feeding times for many shark species, including bull sharks and great whites, which are common in Australian waters. In January, a 12-year-old boy named Nicolas Antic died after a suspected bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour. Another incident involved a 27-year-old man who lost a leg in a suspected bull shark attack at Manly. Additionally, in September 2025, a 57-year-old surfer named Mercury Psillakis was fatally mauled by a great white shark while surfing at Long Reef Beach in Sydney. Bull sharks are a major cause of fatal shark attacks in the country.
Safety Concerns and Cultural Differences
The backlash against Crompton underscores broader safety concerns and cultural differences regarding beach activities in Australia. Locals are often educated from a young age about the dangers of swimming during dawn and dusk, when shark activity increases. This incident has sparked discussions about risk awareness among tourists and expats, as well as the balance between enjoying natural beauty and adhering to safety protocols. While some argue that Melbourne beaches are relatively safe compared to other regions, the general advice remains to avoid swimming during these times to minimise risks.
