Beaches in the Clarence Valley along the NSW Mid North Coast remain closed after a fatal great white shark attack yesterday.

Surf Life Saving NSW said drones and jet skis would patrol the waters to assist a Department of Primary Industry investigations.

It has advised people in the region not to enter the water until further notice.

Mani Hart-Deville, a 15-year-old student from Minnie Water, died after being attacked at Wooli Beach on Saturday afternoon.

He was helped to shore by several surfers and was treated for a serious leg injury but died at the scene.

He had suffered a bite to the upper left thigh.

A family friend who did not want to be named said Mani had lived in Minnie Water all his life, loved the ocean, was into art and made several of his own surfboards.

A statement from the Clarence Valley Council said it was a sad loss for the community.

"Minnie Water is a small, close-knit village and the communities of Minnie Water and Wooli will be hurting," it said.

"We will be doing all we can to support the community through the shock and grief."

It said the beach was not patrolled this time of year but all beaches in the council area would remain closed.

Attempts will be made to locate the shark over the coming days, it said.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed it was a great white shark based on photographs from the scene.

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Coffs-Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Joanne Reid said police would work with the Department of Primary Industries to identify the shark.

"They'll be setting drumlines out off the coast in an attempt to capture or release any sharks that may be in the area," she said.

"It's also important to note now during the school holidays that all beaches in the Clarence Valley will be closed and we'll reassess that on a day-by-day basis."

Mani was surfing at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach near Grafton yesterday when he was attacked just before 2:30pm.

His school posted several helpline phone numbers as support for the teen's fellow students.

"One of our Year 10 students died suddenly and tragically," the school statement said.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student's family and friends."

Beachgoers are being urged to follow advice from Surf Live Saving NSW and check the DPI's website and SharkSmart app.

Wooli woman Helen Dobra said the victim of the attack was a friend of her son's.

"It was a really traumatic scene, my heart's still really pumping," she said yesterday.

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Beaches remain closed for investigation after teen killed by shark on NSW Mid North Coast - ABC News