Things we expect to see advisories for in L.A.: extreme wind, heat and rain. And things we expect to see broadcasted live from a helicopter: high-speed car chases, brush fires and the occasional bear venturing into someone's backyard. But a shark advisory? Nope.
About 15 great white sharks were spotted near the shore between Capistrano Beach in Dana Point and San Onofre State Beach on Wednesday. According to the OC Register, beachgoers were alerted by helicopter to "exit the water in a calm manner" because "the sharks are as close as the surf line." Not at all unsettling.
Meanwhile in Long Beach, about 10 juvenile great whites were also spotted swimming along the shore. ABC reports that they came within 50 yards of the beach.
In both cases, the sharks were deemed not aggressive. As a result the beaches remain open, though visitors should be aware of the sightings.
Shark sightings actually aren't all that uncommon. The shallow waters around the area are pretty regular feeding grounds, according to a quote in the L.A. Times from the Long Beach Fire Department’s Marine Safety Unit. When one's spotted close to the shore, a shark advisory is kept in place until the beachfront has been shark-free for a full day.
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