Zac Hlaing: Young surfer recounts shark attack at Pyramids Beach in Dawesville and what happened next

A young surfer “remained calm” despite being bitten by a shark on a beach south of Mandurah.

Zac Hlaing was bitten by an unknown species of shark at Pyramids Beach in Dawesville around 5:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Speaking outside Peel Health Campus before being transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for surgery, the 15-year-old said the attack happened quickly.

“I was just standing there waiting for a wave to come and I felt something grab onto my leg and then I saw a big tail come up and a big splash and then it let go and swam away “Zac said.

“I was just in shock. I just jumped on the board and started paddling.

“I wasn’t hurt or anything because I was still in shock. I just stayed calm, tried not to panic or anything.

The shark left the lifeline with six deep lacerations to his calf and left foot, which require surgery because there is a tooth or bone fragment stuck in his leg.

Despite the ordeal, Zac said he would be back in the water as soon as he could.

“I’ve been surfing most of my life because Dad got me into it and we live near the beach, so that’s pretty much all I do in the summer,” he said.

“Maybe I won’t go to the same place for a while, but as soon as I can, I’ll be there.”

Local surfer Jay Reeves, who helped Zac after his bite, said he was the “baddest little dude” who stayed calm the whole time.

Mr Reeves said he was talking to two teenagers in the surf when Zac suddenly shouted that he had been bitten by a shark.

“He got back on his board and started paddling and he was just calm,” Mr Reeves said.

“When he lifted his foot, you could see the blood coming out of his foot.

“I let the boys start the car because they came in a stroller.

“I ran towards him as he came out with blood coming out, so I put him on his back and ran towards the car.

“I wrapped his foot in a towel, threw it in the car and took him straight to the hospital.”

Mr Reeves said he was not panicked as Zac had remained calm the entire time.

“He was the meanest little dude. He was absolutely so relaxed,” Mr Reeves said.

“I think about the fact that he was so relaxed and we just had to make sure he was OK so there was no panic at all.”

Prime Minister Roger Cook said he was relieved the boy was recovering in hospital.

“This looks like a very serious attack and I am very pleased that the young man is now in hospital and well cared for,” he said.

“It’s another reminder to all West Australians that when you go into the water this summer, and we all look forward to summer, take care.

“And, obviously, if you spend extended periods of time in the water – surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling – make sure you use our Shark Shark app and continue to do everything you can to protect yourself. “

Mr Cook said the state’s shark mitigation measures were working.