Multiple sharks spotted by surfers off Queenscliff Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches

DESPITE multiple sharks spotted off Queenscliff Beach this morning, surfing legend Layne Beachley decided to stay in the water — she gave one reason for that decision.

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MULTIPLE sharks were spotted off Queenscliff Beach this morning — but that didn't force surfing legend Layne Beachley to cut her session short.

The seven-time world champion told the Manly Daily she was well aware that sharks had been sighted off the beach, after the majority of surfers quickly paddled to shore once the shark alarm sounded shortly after 9am.

Surfing legend Layne Beachley, pictured here at Freshwater Beach, continued to surf at Queenscliff this morning. Picture: Troy Snook

While she didn’t see any sharks, Beachley revealed that she continued to surf because of the presence of another finned creature in the water at the time.

“I saw a very large pod of dolphins hovering around for a very long time,” she said.

“With the presence of the dolphins I was happy to stay there ... dolphins generally tend to keep people safe from sharks.

“I must admit though, Mick Fanning came to mind.”

Beachley said she was one of three boardriders who stayed in the surf, while “about 35” others headed to shore.

Queenscliff Beach is a popular spot for swimmers and surfers.

Beachley said the dolphins were swimming between her and where the sharks had been spotted.

“If I saw any shark activity between me and the dolphins I would have made my way in,” she said.

It’s believed the sharks were feeding on a school of fish.

A Manly Council spokesman said two surfers alerted lifeguards that they had seen “more than one shark” off the beach.

The spokesman said patrolling lifeguards also saw fins in the water.

The beach remained open but shark signs were put up.

Last Friday, Dee Why Beach, also located on Sydney’s northern beaches, was closed twice after members of the public reported seeing a shark off the beach.