An experienced swimmer is lucky to be alive after being attacked by a shark at a popular NSW beach.
Michele Bootes, 63, was swimming with her partner at Main Beach in Merimbula at 6.45am on Saturday when the attack happened.
Moments earlier a witness had spotted the beast and issued a warning to others in the area.
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But it was too late for Bootes.
The Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club Life member and 2020 Bega Citizen of the year suffered a deep wound to her hip and thigh after being bitten by the shark.
She managed to haul herself to shore before an ambulance was called.
Bootes was airlifted to South East Regional Hospital in Bega for treatment.
A day before, Bootes had posted to Facebook community page Merimbula Merpeople, asking if anyone wished join her for a swim.
“Anyone keen on a 6.30am swim tomorrow morning?” she wrote.
It is not clear at this stage what type of shark attacked her.
Police and the rescue helicopter were brought in to search for the shark.
Beaches in a 20 kilometre stretch around Merimbula will be closed until Sunday.
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