A shark sighting at Manly has forced the closure of the beach just hours after flags were set up for the day.
Swimmers fled the water after the shark alarm went off following a sighting near Manly Beach.
The stretch of sand from Manly Beach to Queenscliff is now closed.
READ MORE: NSW beaches closed after shark attacks set to reopen in time for Australia Day long weekend
"What we have to do is we have to understand that sharks are in the water," a local told Today.
"When you swim, you swim at your own risk."
"Growing up like around the water and doing this sport like from nippers, you're always aware of the risk," another local said.
"Obviously, at the end of the it's our home as well as their home."
The closure comes as authorities remain on high alert following a string of shark attacks that plagued the state earlier this week, with four separate incidents in 48 hours.
The area is currently being assessed, and the beach is set to reopen once it is deemed safe by authorities.
The closure comes as Surf Lifesaving is ramping up its increased drone surveillance and extra rescue crews to keep people safe this long weekend.
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