Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries when a bull shark bit him on both legs at Nielsen Park's Shark Beach, Sydney Harbour, on January 18. He was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where he remains. A close family friend, Victor Piñeiro, said the injuries were "devastating" and described the situation as "the worst possible outcome." A GoFundMe raised over $100,000 to help Nico’s family during this tough time. The event has shaken the community, with tributes pouring in such as from Kate Barley, mother of Khai Cowley, a 15-year-old who died in a shark attack last year. Nico was part of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club’s Nippers program and was named most improved under-11 boy in 2024. Friends helped pull him from the water after the attack outside the shark net enclosure. The attack sparked safety fears as it was followed by other shark incidents across New South Wales, thought to be due to heavy rain bringing murky water to beaches. Nearly 30 Sydney beaches shut down, swim events were cancelled, and surfers stayed away. Steven Pearce of Surf Live Saving NSW advised people to "just go to a local pool." Some swimmers used Sydney Harbour’s netted enclosures for safety. Tim Clarke, a regular swimmer, called his swim in the enclosure "98% safe," while others felt more uneasy. Bev, a long-time swimmer, said she’s unsure when she will swim in the ocean again but acknowledged sharks are in their natural home. Visitors with small children stayed only in ankle-deep water. The attack has led to greater caution and respect for the ocean’s wildlife around Sydney’s beaches.