Surf club members patrolling in an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) around 11am saw the shark. At the time the club's weekly nipper program was being conducted. It's understood a club member officiating in the water activities also spotted the shark, believed to be a great white.

Club members immediately sounded the shark alarm and instructed swimmers to vacate the surf, which they did quickly. The patrol flags were also taken down and replaced by shark alert signs. However, people further up the beach and away from the patrol zone remained in the water.

While the area baked in heat wave conditions on the weekend, a strong nor-east wind kept the temperature down at Crowdy on Sunday. The beach wasn't as packed as would normally be expected.

Earlier this month two board riders made a hurried exit from the surf on the South Side beach at Crowdy when a shark was sighted nearby.