Bonny Hills-born Danny Shouten, who has surfed for much of his life, almost lost his mate Kai to a shark attack last July.

The close call led him to found Communitysbk (Shark Bite Kit), an initiative that is seeing life saving kits installed on isolated beaches at popular surf breaks.

The Shark Bite Kits contain the essentials to control bleeding and are designed to be used by the general public. 

“The fact is, ocean lovers aren’t going to stop doing what they love, so incidents will occur,” Danny told the Mid North Coaster. “The best solution is to be prepared for when it does happen.”

Every second counts or Prepared to save a life

Danny’s friend Kai was saved by a retired police officer trained in trauma response, who had just stepped on to the beach to walk his dog. He acted quickly, using his dog’s leash as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, which played a crucial role in saving Kai’s life.

“Everyone is so grateful Kai is here today, it was such a fine line,” Danny said. “But we know those circumstances aren’t the norm, so the Shark Bite Kits are about being prepared.” 

Where are the kits?

In October 2024 Kai helped Danny install the first Shark Bite Kit at the site of his attack at North Shore Beach, Port Macquarie.

In less than six months, the demand has grown rapidly with close to 50 installed Australia-wide.

There are currently 22 Shark Bite Kits from Dunbogan to Emerald Beach, including Sawtell, Coffs Harbour, Hat Head and Crescent Head. At the start of February Danny placed another 13 kits along beaches and surf spots from Treachery Beach to Tuncurry.

Expanding from the Mid North Coast, there are now kits from Pottsville in the Northern Rivers region, to Cunjurong Point south of Bendalong. Kits are due to be installed in Tathra on the South Coast in the coming weeks.

One has already been installed in Western Australia. 

“It would be great to see these on every beach around Australia, especially our isolated and remote locations,” Danny said.

Kit locations are on this map.

What’s in the kit?

The kits contain essentials for those critical seconds in a crisis, with the main aim to control bleeding.

The contents include step-by-step instructions, tourniquets, compression bandages, large dressings, emergency thermal blanket and whistle, gloves and a permanent marker to note the time the tourniquet was applied.

Support the cause

A Go Fund Me page has been collecting donations since October 2024. The money is used for installation of new kits, and the replacement of damaged kits in our area.

To date, Danny has been installing kits based on suggestions and requests from the local community and messages received from donors. 

Danny has committed to provide Shark Bite Kits on the Mid North Coast at cost price ($60).

“I’m not in this as a business venture. It’s a community initiative, it’s about supporting the community, keeping friends and family safe.”

Personal purchase

You can also pick up a kit in-store at Saltwater Wine in Forster, Taree and Port Macquarie for $100, if you want one for your car for example.

Chat directly with Danny by emailing [email protected] or message via Instagram @communitysbk.

(Thumbnail images from @communitysbk)