Bribie Island Community Mourns Teen Lifesaver Lost in Shark Attack
4 February 2025 – A vibrant young lifesaver with a passion for ocean conservation has been identified as the victim of Monday’s fatal shark attack at Bribie Island. Charlize Zmuda, 17, died after sustaining severe injuries while swimming approximately 100 meters offshore at Woorim Beach.
“Charlize was loved by many and was such a shining light who truly touched the lives of everyone she met,” family spokesperson Renee Zmuda said in a statement. “She loved the beach and it truly was her happiest place on Earth.”
A dedicated member of the local surf lifesaving community since age eight, Charlize served as vice captain of her patrol and had represented Australia in the Lifesaving World Championships. Her commitment to environmental conservation was evident in her regular beach cleanup efforts during four-wheel drive excursions.
The incident occurred in a section of Woorim Beach featuring a shallow channel leading to a sandbar. Local swimmers and fishing enthusiasts have reported increased shark activity in recent weeks, with multiple sightings documented on social media and the Dorsal shark alert app.
Key Details:
- Location was Woorim Beach, near Fourth Avenue access point
- Emergency services responded at 4:47 PM
- Victim 17-year-old female
- Severe upper body injuries
- Pronounced deceased on the beach shortly after 5 PM
Emergency services responded to calls reporting a “serious shark bite incident” at approximately 4:45 PM local time on Monday. Despite rapid response efforts, the teenager, who sustained severe upper body injuries, succumbed to her injuries shortly after 5 PM.
The attack occurred on the eastern side of Bribie Island, a well-known destination for both locals and tourists, attracting swimmers, surfers, and fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.
- Local fishing forums and residents have reported increased shark activity in Moreton Bay in recent weeks
- Multiple shark sightings were documented on local Facebook pages and the Dorsal app
- The incident occurred near dusk (AEST), a known active period for sharks
Despite safety measures including drumlines and drone surveillance, this marks Queensland’s second fatal shark attack in just over a month, following the death of pastor Luke Walford near Humpy Island in December. A third non-fatal incident occurred near Curtis Island during the same period.
On Tuesday morning, community members gathered for a memorial service, laying flowers in the ocean.
Surf Life Saving Queensland has closed Woorim Beach until further notice while authorities investigate the incident. The species of shark involved has not yet been identified.
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