Newcastle beaches set to close for seventh day over shark fears

Newcastle beaches are likely remain closed for a record seventh day on Friday after repeated sighting of a large great white shark nicknamed Bruce.

The five-metre, 1700kg great white shark, who earned the nickname from a Newcastle radio station, has kept beaches in the area closed for a record six days.

Despite repeated sightings of the huge shark, not everyone has been able to keep out of the water.

Scores of swimmers and surfers defied warnings and slipped in for a dip at Newcastle's beaches on Wednesday, when the mercury hit 34C, and Thursday, when it reached 28C.

The last confirmed sighting of the shark was at Nobbys Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

Bruce was first spotted last Saturday at Merewether Beach.