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Lifeguards Clear Beach After Shark Sighting
27 Mar
Summary
- An 8-foot great white shark was spotted near a surfer.
- Lifeguards closed a mile-long stretch of beach.
- The water remains closed for four hours as a precaution.
Lifeguards at West Newport Beach cleared the ocean on Thursday afternoon due to an 8-foot-long great white shark sighting. The shark was observed circling a surfer, prompting an immediate safety protocol.
Officials verified the sighting around 1:15 p.m. and subsequently closed a one-mile stretch of coastline in both directions from where the shark was last seen. The Newport Beach Fire Department emphasized that such sightings are infrequent and that sharks are typically just passing through.
Out of an abundance of caution, the public has been asked to avoid the water until an all-clear is given. The closure is in effect for four hours, during which lifeguards will continue to patrol and monitor the area to ensure safety.
