Surfers unwittingly paddle over Great White Shark on NSW South Coast

This is the horrifying moment a pair of surfers paddle over a huge shark on the NSW South Coast, where several beaches have been evacuated.

At least three beaches have been evacuated at Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast following a flurry of shark sightings.

The state government’s SharkSmart website posted horrifying aerial shots of Great White sharks — including one showing a pair of surfers paddling uncomfortably close to a 2.5m great white.

The close call was recorded at Berrara Beach at 12.47pm today. The beach was evacuated and authorities notified following the sighting.

DPI aerial report: 2.5 White Shark at BERRARA, Shoalhaven at 12:47 pm on 29 Dec 2019. Beach Evacuated. Authorities Notified. pic.twitter.com/0A8ozZqodl

— SharkSmart (@NSWSharkSmart) December 29, 2019

The creatures have forced the closure of two other beaches in the area, including Bherwerre, where a 3m Great White was photographed off shore at 12.44pm and Cudmirrah Beach, where a 2.5m great white was sighted at 12.45pm.

DPI aerial report: 2.5m White Shark at CUDMIRRAH, Shoalhaven at 12:45 pm on 29 Dec 2019. Beach Evacuated. Authorities Notified. pic.twitter.com/RCX6FIsBer

— SharkSmart (@NSWSharkSmart) December 29, 2019

DPI aerial report: 3m White Shark at BHERWERRE, Shoalhaven at 12:44 pm on 29 Dec 2019. Beach Evacuated. Authorities Notified. pic.twitter.com/NFElRkulxs

— SharkSmart (@NSWSharkSmart) December 29, 2019

Last year, warmer than average waters led to more than 80 shark sightings in the area over the Christmas period.

The Department of Primary Industries is expected to increase its patrols over the summer holidays, allowing swimmers to monitor shark activity via its SharkSmart website.

Over the past year the DPI has implemented “shark mitigation” measures — including shark nets, shark listening stations and helicopter and drone surveillance trials — across NSW Coastal Council areas, from Tweed in the north to Bega Valley in the south.

The department has just completed a year-long trial of SMART (Shark Management Alert in Real Time) drumlines at beaches off northern Sydney and Newcastle.

The technology allows sharks to be intercepted beyond the surf break. Once caught, they are tagged and relocated one kilometre off shore.