Update: Back to the Beach--Shark Sighting Cancelled for Dana Point Beach early Thursday

Dana Point, CA--Orange County Lifeguards announced today that the shark sighting signs at Salt Creek Beach, Monarch Beach and Strands Beaches were removed this morning at 8 a.m.

There have been no additional shark sightings since yesterday, July 6.

Visit Dana Point, Courtesy Image.

A secondary shark sighting has extended the warning at Dana Point area's Salt Creek Point.

"A shark was sighted this morning at approximately 10:45 a.m. approximately 100-yards off shore in a similar location as yesterday," Orange County Lifeguards Chief Jason Young said in interview. "The size and species of the shark could not be verified."

Two lifeguards witnessed this secondary shark sighting, and verified that it was no a dolphin or other animal. Lifeguards followed the same procedure, searching via helicopter with HB 1, harbor patrol, and a jet ski in the water. There were no additional shark sightings after the initial encounter, according to Young.

"People were advised, as yesterday, to swim at their own risk," he said. "We expect to keep signs posted through the end of the day, Thursday."

The beach closure extends one mile up and one mile down the coast, from Monarch Beach, Salt Creek Point, and Strands Beach.

This would follow the same protocol, with an 18-24 hour advisory, as with yesterday's original sighting. As far as Young is concerned, the sightings of sharks at the Salt Creek area is atypical for that location.

"This is the first advisory that we've posted at Salt Creek," he said. "Part of the reason is the OC Lifeguards now have a county wide protocol in place, and better, more consistent communication with the people."

The weather at the beach remains ideal for summer, and Orange County Lifeguards expect to remove the shark sighting signs by the end of the day tomorrow, barring any further notice.

This post will be updated. Please refresh for further information.

Original story below.

Dana Point, CA--A large shark sighting was reported to Dana Point Lifeguards on the afternoon of July 5. Beach-goers were cleared from the water by Orange County Lifeguards, as per protocol, according to Chief Jason Young.

Initial reports, via City News Service stated a 10-foot shark was sighted in the area, but this length was unconfirmed by lifeguards in the area. In a statement, Chief Young addressed the beach-goers in his jurisdiction.

"Late this afternoon, Orange County Lifeguards received the shark sighting report," Young said. "There was a sighting, but the exact size of the shark and species was not confirmed by lifeguards."

The shark was spotted just before 4 p.m. about 300 yards off Salt Creek Point.

Orange County Lifeguards responded by clearing the water for an investigational period of one hour.

"This included a search by lifeguards on rescue water crafts, OC harbor patrol and HB 1 helicopter," Young said. "No further observations of a shark were made during this search effort."

For the next 18-24 hours, OC lifeguards posted a shark sighting advisory on a two-mile stretch of beach which includes all of Strand, Salt Creek and Monarch Bay beaches.

"The public will be advised of the sighting and to enter the water at their own risk," Young said.

Lifeguards will continue to patrol the area and will re-evaluate the status of the advisory in 18 to 24 hours.

This report will be updated. Please refresh for the latest information.

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