Lifeguard Charlie Verco recounts helping rescue swimmer after shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach

A lifeguard who was on a paddleboard near Coogee Beach in Sydney said he saw an about 11-foot shark surface and attack a swimmer, in an incident that left a woman critically injured, CBS News reported on June 13, 2026.

Charlie Verco, the lifeguard, told CBS News that he was in the water when he noticed the shark emerge and move toward the swimmer. He said the attack occurred in the surf close to other beachgoers.

Verco said he then helped with the immediate rescue effort, coordinating with other people at the scene as the injured swimmer required urgent medical attention. He described the situation as rapidly unfolding as the animal remained in the area.

CBS News reported that the woman suffered critical injuries and that emergency responders were involved in treating and transporting her following the attack. Police and other local authorities also responded to the incident area, according to the report.

The attack occurred at Coogee Beach, a well-known Sydney swimming and beach location, where lifeguards and water-safety staff are typically present during the day. The incident renewed questions about how quickly beach operations and on-water supervision can adjust when unexpected hazards emerge.

After shark encounters, beach authorities often review safety procedures such as swimmer positioning, patrol coverage, and public warnings, particularly when an attack results in serious injury. In this case, the next steps would depend on how officials assess the location and whether additional sightings are reported.

The report did not provide additional details about the woman’s identity, how long the animal remained in the water, or any specific measures taken that day beyond the emergency response and the lifeguard’s assistance.