Shark nets used at most beaches do not protect swimmers, research suggests

Scientists tell ABC's Four Corners that nets are not effective barriers and that a bigger shark population does not increase attacks

The shark nets used at most beaches might make you feel safer, but they do nothing to reduce your chance of being attacked, according to a new analysis of data.

The data, compiled over half a century by Laurie Laurenson from Deakin University, was presented on ABC's Four Corners program on Monday night.