“The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation,” NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth told reporters.
“To put yourself out there is heroic and obviously it did give us time to get to that male patient.”
The shark involved was likely a “large bull shark”, the Department of Primary Industries said.
Bull sharks, which can be found in both fresh water and salt water, are “one of the few sharks that are potentially dangerous to people”, the Australian Museum says. They are the third deadliest shark species, according to the International Shark Attack File.
The beach has now been closed and “smart” drumlines – which lure sharks with baited hooks so they can be tagged and re-released – were being deployed.
Surf Life Saving NSW said surrounding beaches would also be closed for 24 hours while drones surveilled the area.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said.
“For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards.”
This is the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. The most recent was less than three months ago, when a man was killed in a rare shark attack in Sydney’s northern beaches.
