Bite-proof wetsuits are the latest tool in protecting swimmers against sharks, after testing by Australian experts.

Shark attacks on people remain uncommon but are on the rise around Australia and the world . A surfer was killed at Sydney's Long Reef Beach in earlier this month.

Governments usually focus on area-based protection such as shark nets, but there is an increasing focus on personal deterrents as well.

Researchers from Flinders University's southern shark ecology group tested the effects of four bite-resistant wetsuit materials - Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTx-S and Brewster.

The materials, which incorporate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a strong and light fibre often used in sailing rope, are lighter and more flexible than traditional chainmail suits,

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