The move comes as Kiama council lifeguards conduct jet-ski patrols in the water off the beach on Thursday morning.

Another council lifeguard is positioned on the sand in a four-wheel-drive.

“Anybody seen to be trying to enter the water will be warned away from it,” Kiama Municipal Council general manager Michael Forsyth told the Mercury.

Bombo, Jones, Surf, Kendalls and Easts beaches have been closed and are expected to remain that way for at least another 24 hours. 

The situation will be assessed throughout Thursday.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Fisheries division is sending a boat to the northern end of Bombo beach, where it is expected to patrol off the surf break and monitor the situation.

Mr Forsyth said council was “relying on their [Fisheries’] professional advice” to identify the type of shark involved in the attack.

In a statement, Kiama council praised the actions of beachgoers who helped save surfer Brett Connellan, 22, from bleeding to death after he was attacked on Wednesday night.

“Council joins the thousands of locals whose hearts and thoughts are with the victim and his family and with everyone who was involved in the incident,” the statement said.

“We thank all those who were first to assist on the scene and emergency services for their quick action.”