A Tragic Turn at Woorim Beach

On February 3, 2025, Charlize was swimming approximately 100 meters offshore at Woorim Beach, an unpatrolled section of coastline known for its open waters and strong surf. Around 4:45 PM, beachgoers were startled by piercing screams as Charlize suffered catastrophic injuries to her upper body and arm in the attack. Despite the quick response from emergency services, including police who rushed into the water, she tragically died at the scene.

Initially, some witnesses thought she was caught in a rip current, but the severity of the situation quickly became clear. Local resident Christopher Potter expressed his shock: "Sharks are known to be around Bribie, but this close to shore—it’s still a shock."

Remembering Charlize Zmuda

Charlize was more than just a victim; she was a beloved and active member of the Bribie Island community. A dedicated surf lifesaver, she had been part of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club since she was eight years old, rising to vice-captain of her patrol. She competed in the Lifesaving World Championships and mentored younger children as an under-nines age manager.

Her family remembers her as a "shining light" who loved music, nature, and adventure. Just days before her passing, she attended her school formal and shared social media posts of sunrise surfing and playing guitar by a bonfire. Her mother, Renee Zmuda, urged people to celebrate Charlize’s "incredible life" rather than focus solely on her tragic death.

A Community United in Grief

Following the attack, the Bribie Island community has come together to mourn and honor Charlize’s memory. On Tuesday morning, friends and family held a sunrise vigil, placing floral tributes in the ocean. Local swimmer Jenny O’Connor reflected, "She died doing what she loved."

Charlize’s father, Steve Zmuda, a leader in the local nippers program, encouraged resilience: "We don’t want people to stop coming to the beach… It’s a big part of our lives." Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Dave Whimpey praised Charlize’s dedication to lifesaving and acknowledged the deep impact of her loss on the community.

Renewed Calls for Shark Safety Measures

The attack has reignited debates about shark management strategies:

• Recent Sightings: A shark was spotted near Woorim Beach on January 27 during a drone surveillance trial, though its species was not identified. No sharks have been caught in the area’s drumlines this year.
• Beach Closures: Woorim Beach remains closed indefinitely as authorities assess the risk. The area’s open coastline makes surveillance more challenging compared to the calmer western side of Bribie Island.
• Policy Review: Queensland’s Shark Management Plan is currently under review, with growing calls for improved drone monitoring, better warning systems, and more effective use of drumlines.

This tragedy marks Queensland’s third shark attack in three months and the second fatality since December 2024, when 40-year-old Luke Walford was killed while spearfishing near Humpy Island.

Balancing Safety and Nature

While shark attacks are rare—averaging 20 incidents per year in Australia, with only a handful proving fatal—this heartbreaking event highlights the need for proactive safety measures. Premier David Crisafulli stressed, "The safety of humans always has to come before the welfare of a shark."

As Bribie Island grieves, the Zmuda family’s message of resilience remains strong: Woorim Beach, the place Charlize loved, must continue to be a place of joy, even in the face of tragedy.