A man who survived being bitten multiple times by a shark while swimming at a popular California beach on Sunday punched the predator on the nose before being rescued by quick-thinking fellow swimmers, an eyewitness reported.

The 46-year-old man was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla after suffering bites to his left hand, left arm, and torso around 9 a.m. Sunday, the City of Del Mar, north of San Diego, said in a statement. The injuries were serious but not life-threatening, the statement added. Nearly the entire stretch of the beach was closed after the attack.

The victim is part of a seasoned ocean swimming group that trains weekly. One member of the group, Jenna Veal, who was right behind the man in the water during the attack, told NBC's "TODAY" show Monday that she heard him scream for help.

“He punched it in the face, he punched it in the nose,” she said. “I do know he had a gash on his hand from a shark’s tooth.”

The swimmers quickly began to take the man back to shore, where a passing ER doctor stopped to help. "There is a massive all-hands-on-deck movement of support today," Veal said. The man remained conscious throughout and is expected to be OK.

Pictures shared by Veal show the man, still in his swimming cap, lying on a stretcher and being tended to by paramedics while concerned swimmers look on. "When we saw the guy swim back, it was really shocking," another eyewitness told "TODAY."

Jon Edelbrock, City of Del Mar Lifeguard Chief, told "TODAY" that one of the swimmers was equipped with their own tourniquet, although it's not clear if this was used.

The attack forced the closure of beaches within a mile, leaving many seasoned local beachgoers shocked. "I have never seen a shark sign or have known of an incident to occur right here," one local told "TODAY."

While the risk of unprovoked shark bites worldwide remains extremely low, experts say the best way for swimmers to reduce their risk is to always stay in groups, use extra caution when in areas near sandbars and steep drop-offs, and avoid being in the water during dark or twilight hours.

Unprovoked shark attacks are rare: There were just 36 attacks in the U.S. last year, including two in California, one of them fatal, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File. The beach will remain closed until at least tomorrow as authorities continue to monitor the area and ensure the safety of beachgoers.

The quick actions of the fellow swimmers and the immediate medical attention provided by the ER doctor on the scene likely contributed significantly to the man’s stable condition. This incident serves as a reminder of both the potential dangers of ocean swimming and the importance of swift response and community support in emergency situations. As the beach remains under close watch, officials will likely increase patrols and safety measures to prevent future incidents and reassure the public.

In the aftermath of the attack, local authorities are also expected to enhance educational efforts about shark safety, aiming to equip swimmers with knowledge on how to react in such situations. Additionally, there may be increased efforts to monitor shark activity in the area using technology like drones and shark-tagging programs. These measures, combined with community vigilance, are crucial in maintaining the safety and confidence of beachgoers as they enjoy the waters of Del Mar.