A fatal shark attack claimed the life of Charlize Zmuda, a 17-year-old champion surf lifesaver, approximately 328 feet offshore at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the popular tourist destination some 50 miles north of Brisbane.
Emergency crews raced to the scene following reports of a serious shark bite incident. Despite intense efforts by first responders, Zmuda died from severe upper-body injuries. “The female was swimming when she was bitten by a shark … the female sustained life-threatening injuries and succumbed to those injuries,” a police spokesperson confirmed in an email.
For nearly a decade, Zmuda embodied Australia’s proud surf lifesaving tradition, a unique system distinguishing between volunteer surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards. Surf lifesavers, identified by their iconic red and yellow uniforms, volunteer on weekends and holidays. In contrast, professional lifeguards in blue or white uniforms maintain daily beach safety.
Zmuda joined the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club at age eight, eventually rising to the vice-captain of her patrol. Her remarkable achievements included competing in the Inflatable Rescue Boat World Championships. Beyond water rescue skills, she was known as a gifted musician who inspired younger club members.
The attack occurred despite established shark control measures, including baited drum lines and drone surveillance. Resident Christopher Potter, familiar with the beach’s swimming groups, noted, “It’s known there are a lot of sharks around Bribie, but this close to shore, it’s still a shock.”
The impact reverberated throughout Australia’s lifesaving community. More than a thousand people gathered at Woorim Beach for a memorial service, bringing flowers and balloons to honor her memory. Zmuda’s family spoke about her love for the ocean, noting the beach was her “happiest place on Earth.” Fellow lifesavers described her as a ‘shining light’ who touched everyone she met. Her family expressed their wish for people to continue enjoying the beach, emphasizing its significance in their lives and the broader community.
Local and state officials quickly responded to the tragedy. Moreton Bay mayor Peter Flannery offered condolences, while Queensland state MP Ariana Doolan requested privacy for the grieving family. The CEO of Surf Life Saving Queensland described the loss as “shocking and confronting,” acknowledging its profound impact on lifesavers nationwide. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s statement recognized the profound loss to the state’s volunteer lifesaving community.
This marks Australia’s third fatal shark incident in just over five weeks, following the deaths of surfer Lance Appleby in January 2025 and chaplain Luke Walford in December 2024, who was killed while fishing with family. While authorities have not identified the species responsible for Zmuda’s death, historical data indicates that white, bull, and tiger sharks are typically accountable for serious attacks in Australian waters.
The attack adds to Australia’s long history of shark incidents—the Australian Shark-Incident Database documents over 1,200 attacks since 1791, with more than 250 fatalities. Contemporary statistics show an average of 20 shark-related injuries annually over the past decade. While Woorim Beach employs preventative measures, including drumlines for shark population control, its open waters present ongoing safety challenges.
The beach remains closed indefinitely, with authorities implementing enhanced surveillance measures. The closure impacts recreational swimming and the surf lifesaving community’s essential training and patrol activities.