Beaches across the Ballina Shire have been closed with residents and visitors urged to avoid the area on Monday following a shark attack at Lighthouse Beach.

It was the first patrol of the 2016/17 season for Lifeguards at Lighthouse Beach who were able to respond to situation within moments of being alerted by witnesses.

The incident happened shortly before 9am when a 17-year-old surfer was pulled out of the water by fellow surfers after he suffered severe lacerations to his leg and a single bite wound to his hip.

A nurse who, was at the beach assisted him, until he was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Lifeguards cleared the water and the injured teenager is being assessed by paramedics. A NSW Department of Primary Industries Helicopter has been diverted to the area for aerial surveillance, while the Ballina Lifeguard Jet Ski is currently conducting roving patrols on the water as are other surf lifesaving assets.

The species of shark involved in the incident is not yet known and DPI scientists will investigate further.

Lennox Head, Sharpes Beach, Shelly Beach (Ballina), Lighthouse Beach have all been closed and a decision to reopen them will not be made for at least the next 24 hours.