SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — A 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of a popular Southern California beach was closed for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before, authorities said.
The 24-hour closure at San Clemente was announced after the surfer came out of the water and reported the shark’s aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday, the Orange County Register reported.
The surfer, who wasn’t hurt, was bumped after seeing a large, dark object swimming toward him, San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur said.
The sand remained open to the public, but beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water until 8 p.m. Monday.
Though disappointed, the closure didn’t stop 6-year-old Waylon Andino’s plans for a lemonade fundraiser.
“It’s Memorial Day weekend, we’ll live it up and have fun with the kids regardless and enjoy each other’s company,” Waylon’s mom, Kylie Andino, told the Register.
A sighting of a shark 10 feet (3 meters) or longer calls for a closure, usually for several hours, while any kind of aggressive behavior automatically prompts a 24-hour shutdown, pending no additional shark sightings.
A popular California beach was closed for the holiday weekend after a terrifying encounter between a shark and a surfer. The incident occurred at Sunset Beach in Orange County, where a surfer was attacked by a shark while out in the water.
The surfer, who has been identified as a local resident, was reportedly bitten on the leg by the shark before managing to swim back to shore. He was quickly treated by lifeguards on the scene and then transported to a nearby hospital for further medical attention. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Following the attack, officials made the decision to close Sunset Beach to the public for the remainder of the holiday weekend. This precautionary measure was taken in order to ensure the safety of beachgoers and prevent any further incidents from occurring.
Shark attacks are rare along the California coast, but they do happen from time to time. Experts believe that the recent increase in shark sightings may be due to a variety of factors, including changes in water temperature and an abundance of prey in the area.
In response to the incident, local authorities have urged beachgoers to exercise caution when entering the water and to be aware of their surroundings at all times. They have also reminded the public that sharks are a natural part of the ocean ecosystem and should be respected from a safe distance.
As for Sunset Beach, officials have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and will reopen the beach once they are confident that it is safe for visitors. In the meantime, they are working to educate the public about shark safety and are taking steps to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
In conclusion, while shark encounters can be frightening, it is important to remember that they are rare occurrences. By staying informed and following safety guidelines, beachgoers can enjoy their time in the water while minimizing their risk of encountering a shark.
