Cali Beach Popular for Memorial Day Closed After Shark Bumps Surfer Off Board

A 2-mile stretch of a popular Southern California beach was closed for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before, authorities said.

The closure at San Clemente was announced after the surfer reported the shark’s aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday. The surfer, who wasn’t hurt, was bumped after seeing a large, dark object swimming toward him, according to San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur.

The sand remained open to the public, but beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water until 8 p.m. Monday. Despite the closure, 6-year-old Waylon Andino’s lemonade fundraiser plans were not dampened.

“It’s Memorial Day weekend, we’ll live it up and have fun with the kids regardless and enjoy each other’s company,” Waylon’s mom, Kylie Andino, told the Register.

A sighting of a shark 10 feet or longer calls for a closure, usually for several hours, while any kind of aggressive behavior automatically prompts a 24-hour shutdown, pending no additional shark sightings.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the ocean, especially during peak beach season. Beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the beach.