A popular beach in Southern California, stretching 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), was closed for Memorial Day due to a shark bumping a surfer off his board the night before, according to authorities.
The closure at San Clemente was put in place after the surfer reported the shark’s aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday, as reported by the Orange County Register. The surfer, who wasn’t injured, was bumped by a large, dark object swimming towards him, said San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur.
While the sandy areas remained open to the public, beachgoers were advised to avoid the water until 8 p.m. Monday.
The parking lot of a shopping plaza (Via Marshal Plaza/Shutterstock)
Despite the disappointment, the closure didn’t dampen the plans of 6-year-old Waylon Andino, who had organized a lemonade fundraiser.
“It’s Memorial Day weekend, we’ll still have fun with the kids and enjoy each other’s company,” said Waylon’s mom, Kylie Andino, to the Register.
A sighting of a shark measuring 10 feet (3 meters) or longer typically leads to a temporary closure, usually lasting several hours. Any aggressive behavior from a shark triggers an automatic 24-hour shutdown, pending no further sightings of sharks.
