A series of four shark attacks along the New South Wales coastline in eastern Australia over the past three days has prompted authorities to issue urgent warnings urging the public to avoid swimming in the ocean and instead use local pools for recreation.

The sequence of incidents, occurring between Sunday and Tuesday, has resulted in several injuries, including two serious cases and one involving a child, as officials move to protect beachgoers amid heightened shark activity.

The fourth attack unfolded on Tuesday at Point Plomer near Port Macquarie, where a thirty-nine-year-old surfer was bitten on the chest through his wetsuit after encountering what are believed to be bull sharks.

Observers had spotted multiple sharks in the vicinity before the incident, and the surfer returned to shore under his own power before being transported to hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries.

The beach was subsequently closed to the public.

Earlier in the sequence, a twelve-year-old boy was critically injured by a shark near Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour, sustaining severe leg wounds and being rushed for emergency medical treatment.

Two other incidents off Sydney’s northern beaches included another young boy whose surfboard was bitten but who escaped unharmed, and a twenty-seven-year-old surfer who suffered critical injuries from a shark bite off North Steyne Beach.

These attacks occurred despite the presence of some shark netting in the affected areas.

Officials have linked the recent surge in shark encounters to murky water conditions following heavy rainfall, which can draw both bait fish and sharks closer to shore.

Bull sharks, known for their ability to tolerate brackish and coastal waters, are considered the likely species involved.

In response, authorities have closed several beaches, deployed drone surveillance and electronic monitoring drumlines, and reiterated guidance for swimmers to avoid entering the ocean, particularly in poor water visibility.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales and state police have emphasized that until water conditions improve and the heightened risk subsides, coastal visitors should refrain from ocean swimming and opt for safer alternatives such as supervised pools.

The warnings aim to prevent further injuries and reassure the public as emergency services and marine safety teams monitor and respond to ongoing shark activity off the state’s popular beaches.