North Narrabeen Rockpool has become the setting for another step in Andre de Ruyter’s recovery, months after a shark attack at Manly led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee.
Footage shared by his mother, Lisa, shows the 27-year-old musician and surfer paddling through the ocean pool with a steady stroke. Family members are nearby, while his dog, Luna, stays close to the board.
Back on a board at North Narrabeen
North Narrabeen Rockpool sits at the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon, with access from Narrabeen Park Parade. Northern Beaches Council describes it as a 50-metre rockpool with a timber boardwalk separating the main lap pool from the remaining swimming area.
Also referred to as Narrabeen Ocean Pool, the rockpool provides the setting for Andre’s latest recovery update. In the footage, he moves through the pool while his family watches nearby.
Lisa said in her social media post that Luna had become highly protective of Andre since the shark attack. The dog can be seen close to Andre and his board as he paddles through the water.
North Steyne attack led to emergency rescue
Andre suffered his injuries in an attack attributed to a bull shark at North Steyne Beach in Manly on 19 January 2026.
He had travelled from Wollongong for a day of surfing when the attack occurred at about 6:20 p.m. The shark caused severe injuries to his lower leg, and he went into cardiac arrest after extensive blood loss.
Fellow surfers pulled Andre from the water, while members of the public helped keep him afloat during the rescue. On the beach, surf lifesavers, bystanders and medical responders applied a tourniquet and performed CPR.
Members of North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club had been conducting CPR and first aid training when the emergency unfolded. That meant qualified responders, a defibrillator and a tourniquet were already nearby.
An off-duty NSW Ambulance doctor who was swimming at the beach also joined the rescue. Paramedics later transported Andre to Royal North Shore Hospital.
During the trip, NSW Police highway patrol officers delivered additional blood to the ambulance at Spit Bridge. Andre received 13 units of blood while medical crews worked to keep him alive.
Doctors later amputated his right leg below the knee because of the extent of his injuries.
Rehabilitation continued after hospital discharge
During Andre’s hospital stay, his family sought support for rehabilitation, prosthetics and wheelchair-accessible accommodation. They later reported that he had come off life support and was showing positive signs, although his recovery would require ongoing treatment and assistance.
Community donations and fundraising events helped the family secure suitable accommodation near rehabilitation services. The support also contributed to physiotherapy, prosthetics and other care.
In an update on 28 April, his family said Andre was being discharged from hospital. His rehabilitation continued after discharge, including daily physiotherapy aimed at rebuilding his strength.
His family has previously said the recovery process would take time and require continuing rehabilitation and support.
Published 1-July-2026
