A 58-year-old man will undergo surgery after he was attacked by a shark at Lake Macquarie.
The incident took place at Yarrawonga Park just before 6.30pm where NSW Ambulance were called to the scene.
The man who was enjoying an evening swim was bitten on his left arm and was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Five ambulance crews arrived at the scene on Saturday, along with a rescue helicopter that had flown the man to hospital.
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NSW Ambulance Inspector Grahame Rathbone said the victim benefited from first aid administered by bystanders, which he called “potentially lifesaving”.
“Bystanders did a great job applying a makeshift tourniquet before paramedic crews arrived,” Mr Rathbone said.
“When you get a call to attend a shark attack, you never really know the full extent of the injuries until you get on scene.
“He (victim) was conscious and alert while receiving treatment from paramedics.”
The man will now undergo surgery to his arm following the attack.
A NSW Police spokesperson said the victim was with a woman, swimming in the lake, when the shark attacked. The woman, aged 56, helped pull him to shore.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are working with NSW Fisheries to identify the species.
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