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News Release

Surf Life Saving, New South Wales

11. April 2015

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Statement Regarding Reported Shark Encounter at McKenzies Beach

A number of beaches along the State’s Far South Coast will remain closed on Saturday afternoon following reports that a man suffered a suspected shark bite while paddleboarding at McKenzies Beach.

The incident at the unpatrolled beach happened at approximately 7.30 this morning after a local surfer heard the man call out for help while waiting to catch a wave.

The witness and a friend went to the injured man’s aid and after both made it to shore, he helped clean his ankle wound on enough for the man to be able to drive himself to a local hospital for medical treatment.

NSW Life Saving Manager Andy Kent said that standard operating procedures have been put in place following reports of the incident.

“All local beaches have been closed and surf life saving assets including the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter and jet skis have done a sweep of the area. At this stage we have not spotted any sharks in the vicinity but we will continue to monitor the situation,” Mr Kent said.

“A decision about when to reopen the beaches will be made in due course.”

Beaches in the area are to remain closed for at least 24 hours with lifesaving assets continuing to be deployed as required. After being treated at a local hospital the injured man has since been discharged.

The species of shark has not yet been determined, and the Department of Primary Industries has been informed of the incident.

Source: Surf Life Saving NSW