A woman is in hospital after she being attacked by a shark at a popular holidaying spot at Crescent Head on Tuesday.
The Macleay Argus reports the woman was bitten on the foot around 8am while swimming near a boat ramp at Killick Creek.
A witness described seeing the shark "frolicking" in the water after the attack and said her son had spotted a shark's fin in the creek before the incident.
Nearby locals helped the woman and wrapped her lacerated foot before she was taken to hospital by a friend.
Local Surf Lifesaving Club members Phoebe Williams and Jye Palise arrived on scene shortly after and closed the beach to swimmers.
"We were told the woman had four deep lacerations to her foot from the attack," Williams said.
Lifeguard Supervisor Richard Clarke said the beach will remain closed for the next 24 hours.
"We will reassess tomorrow and make the decision to reopen the beach," he said.
Lifeguards confirmed there have been a number of shark sightings in the area over the past week.
"Our UAV pilot has spotted a number of sharks recently and last week there was a school of around 13," Jye said.
"This is because of the higher numbers of mullet in the area at this time of year."
All other beaches in the area will remain open, but locals are reminded to be cautious when swimming.
"Lifeguards have also been made aware of the attack and will be informing the public," Richard said.
