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A “rare” 8-foot great white shark was spotted circling a surfer in Newport Beach, Calif. on March 26
Authorities closed a stretch of coastline, alerted neighboring beaches and deployed lifeguards rescue vessels to monitor the area
The beach reopened hours later with the Newport Beach Fire Department saying that sharks spotted along the coast are “typically transiting through the area”
West Newport Beach in California had to shut down a stretch of coastline after a shark was seen circling a surfer.
The 8-foot great white shark was spotted swimming around the surfer at around 1:15 p.m local time on Thursday, March 26, according to a statement posted by the Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD).
This prompted an immediate safety response, with NBFD clearing the water one mile east and west of the shark’s last known location.
Newport Beach in California
Credit: Getty
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The NBFD closed the beach and said tower and patrol lifeguards were “[actively] monitoring” the situation.
Neighboring beaches were alerted, and authorities requested that the Newport Beach Police Department conduct an investigation by air using a helicopter.
A Newport Beach Lifeguard Sea Watch rescue vessel was also deployed. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) was notified, and a surveillance vessel was requested.
Signs were placed around the area to inform the beachgoers of the shark report.
The NBFD said in the statement: “Shark sightings are rare along our coastline. When observed, these animals are typically transiting through the area.”
Newport Beach Fire Department put up signs warning the public
Credit: GettNewport Beach Fire Department/Instagramy
“Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that the public avoid the water in this vicinity until the all-clear is issued.”
Newport Beach was later reopened at 5:45 p.m. that same day.
If you see a shark while swimming, you should “stay calm and keep an eye on it while slowly and calmly moving away,” according to the Georgia Aquarium.
“Do not panic or splash excessively. Exit the water when it is safe to do so.”
The organization added that you can minimize shark encounters by being aware of your surroundings, staying close to the shore, swimming in groups, avoiding murky waters, avoiding areas where people are fishing and avoiding excessive splashing, “which can attract sharks.”
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