Surf Life Saving NSW reported Shelly Beach in Ballina was closed just after 1pm. The decision was taken after a 1.8m bull shark was seen in the area. At around the same time, Lighthouse Beach in Ballina was closed. It is understood the same 1.8m bull shark may have been seen in the area. After Far North Coast SLS NSW checked the area, both beaches were reopened after 1.30pm, a spokesman confirmed. Earlier today, the Dorsal app reported a single surfer chased by a shark estimated to be 2.5m long out of the water in Sawtell, near Coffs Harbour, People on the headland verified the sighting.