Surfers continue to enter the water despite shark attack at Shelly Beach, Port Macquarie

Mr Little has been surfing at Town Beach for over 50 years and said the incident over the weekend was a rare.

Read more: Shark attack at Shelly Beach, Port Macquarie

Mr Little is aware sharks are always around but isn't fearful of them.

He's seen about two sharks over the past five years.

Mr Little said there is a lot of fish activity in the water at the moment and the sharks are drawn to the schools to feed.

Mr Little loves surfing with his mates in the morning.

"It's something we've always done," he said.

Richard Cleary and Jared Mason went for an early morning surf at Town Beach on Tuesday, August 18.

Mr Cleary said he surfs every morning and it's a great way to start the day before work.

The surfers are aware there are sharks in the water but it doesn't stop them from carrying out their hobby.

"You see them every week or two and the alarm will go off," Mr Cleary said.

"It's part and parcel of surfing."

The carpenter said he's more likely to get injured on the job rather than in the ocean by a shark.

James Turnham from Port Macquarie ALS Lifeguards said lifeguards are trained to identify certain species of sharks and assess their risk to the community.

"If it's a bull shark, a white shark or a tiger shark and close by to swimmers or surfers, we'll alert the public to clear the water," he said.

Surf Life Saving Australia has carried out drone patrols from Flynns Beach during school holidays for enhanced public safety in the water.

Shark surveillance is conducted during the sessions and marine life is also recorded.

Mr Turnham said majority of sharks are minding their own business and do not pose a danger to the public.

He said over the years drones would have been integral in preventing potential incidents.

Mr Turnham has been a lifeguard since 2003 and believes there are a lot more shark sightings at this time of year.

He's urged people to be cautious and be aware of increased marine activity.

"Look out for the signs of increased fish activity, such as schools of bait fish and birds diving nearby," he said.

Surf Life Saving NSW was contacted for comment on use of drones but did not respond before this article was published.

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