Crime & Safety

Shark Sighting Closes South Orange County Beaches

A shark sighting by numerous witnesses on Monday closed this section of Orange County coastline, according to officials.

SAN CLEMENTE, CA β€” Is it safe to go into the water? Not until well after 1 p.m. Monday, officials say. A shark sighting near the San Clemente pier has closed San Clemente beaches temporarily, according to officials.

At 10:30 a.m. the city of San Clemente reported a water closure when the shark was sighted just outside of the pier tower.

"Lifeguards have issued a water closure from North Beach to Lausens Beach per shark policy protocol," they said.

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The closure began just after 9 a.m. and will remain in place until after 1 p.m. if no further sightings are confirmed. Lifeguards are on the lookout in the mean time, remember to always ask about dangers, including rip currents, sharks and water quality before entering the ocean.

Photo credit: Maggie Avants, Patch Staff.

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