RELATED CONTENT: Moruya helicopter on shark patrol
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3.30pm: The Lifesaver 21 crew says it has three large sharks out to see after finding more than 15 sharks close to shore at Hyams Beach.
The crew alerted swimmers to leave the water.
3.20pm: The Moruya-based rescue helicopter has been sent for the second day on Thursday, December 31, to the Shoalhaven after a popular beach was closed due to sharks.
According to South Coast Surf Life Saving, beachgoers at Hyams Beach alerted rangers to sharks nearby at about 1pm.
A school of 20 sharks was reported, lifesaver Steve Jones said.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter used its siren on Wednesday, December 30, to divers who had not left the area after an initial evacuation.
On Thursday Lifesaver 23 was again sent at about 2.20pm to patrol the area.
“This is the second day with good weather conditions that sharks have been seen off the swim area of Hyams Beach,” Mr Jones said.
He estimated more than 100 swimmers were in the water when the sharks were sighted.
“Three rangers have asked people to leave the water, but not all were complying,” Mr Jones said.
“Rangers have authority to direct people to leave the water.
“As a result of this second event and large tourist and resident crowds on an unpatrolled beach, I have contacted the Mayor of Shoalhaven Jo Gash and discussed surf life saving concerns.
“I explained the higher risk assessment for this beach with no lifeguard supervision.
“Mayor Gash contacted the Shoalhaven Council general manager Russ Pigg and discussed the issue.
“Mayor Jo Gash and the general manager have this afternoon authorised the immediate appointment as soon as possible for the next two weeks of the peak tourist period for two lifeguards to patrol Hyams Beach.”