Surf club feted for shark attack rescue

GOOD RESPONSE: A rare out-of-water shark bite led to the Riversdale Surf Life Saving Club's February award. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Helping in an "extremely rare" out-of-water shark attack has won Riversdale Surf Life Saving Club an award.

The club was recognised in February with the Central Region BP Rescue of the Month Award, after club captain and volunteer lifeguard Mike Taylor attended the incident.

"Someone was trying to release the hook from the shark's mouth, which you usually do in the water, and they brought the shark on-board.

"It flew up in the air and, in the heat of the moment, its mouth landed on the guy's leg, creating some nasty little cuts."

Mr Taylor said he was told there had been a shark attack but did not know what to expect. "It was relatively minor, so easy to patch up."

Mr Taylor cleaned the wounds with saline, wrapped them in several bandages and sent the fisherman to hospital for a full check-up.

"The doctors were quite complimentary about the way he had been patched up."

Mr Taylor said it was "an absolutely bizarre day" because he had just finished taking care of a woman who had her little finger tip taken off by nylon fishing line which had wrapped itself around it and was pulled tightly.

"You can go years without anything major happening.

"These were quite serious and unusual events quite close together."

The fisherman has recovered from the bite of the grey shark, which was "probably about one-and-a-half metres long".

Mr Taylor said the lifeguard job was broader than most people thought.

"It's great to get recognition for the surf club and the work people put in."

In January, the club had a quiz night and raised $7000 which will be put towards a new support vehicle for the beach.

"I want to thank the Riversdale community for all the support they give us over the season.

"It's absolutely fantastic."

Mr Taylor said Powerco has been sponsoring the club's first aid training since last year "and it's very much appreciated".

Easter weekend marked the end of the season.