FRENCH POLYNESIA, PACIFIC OCEAN - JANUARY 2021: Sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens) evolves over a coral reef on January 21, 2021 in Moorea, French Polynesia, Pacific Ocean. Also called sharptooth lemon shark, the sicklefin lemon shark has a robust, stocky body and a short, broad head. This species favors still, murky waters and is most common in bays, estuaries, and lagoons, and over sandy flats and outer reefs. (Photo by Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
San Diego, California – A swimmer had a close brush with a large shark off the coast of Torrey Pines State Beach on Tuesday morning, prompting state officials to post warning signs along the shoreline.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Lifeguard Tower 5, where the swimmer reported being bumped by a shark estimated to be 7 to 8 feet long, according to Jorge Moreno of Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab. The shark quickly swam off, and the swimmer was unharmed.
While any interaction between humans and sharks can raise alarm, experts say this one, though startling, is likely a case of curiosity rather than aggression.
“It’s actually really rare for sharks to bump swimmers or surfers,” said Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe. “We have lots of sharks and people in the water together every summer, and the sharks typically ignore us.”
Lowe explained that the shark may have been startled or it was just investigating its surroundings. “It’s the start of shark season in Southern California, and white sharks are returning to our waters,” he said. Cooler winter temperatures usually drive them south, but warmer spring waters bring them back to San Diego’s coastline.
Juvenile white sharks, like the one believed to be involved in Tuesday’s incident, are common in these waters. They use nearshore environments as nursery habitats due to warm temperatures and abundant food like stingrays and small fish, said Jack Elstner, a Ph.D. student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
“These sightings are a good sign that the local marine ecosystem is healthy,” Elstner said. “It’s normal to see more juvenile white sharks this time of year, especially as water temperatures rise.”
According to Lowe, California averages about three shark attacks per year, nearly all of which are attributed to white sharks. In comparison, Florida sees an average of 39 bites annually.
Out of caution, California State Parks posted shark advisory signs at access points near Lifeguard Towers 2, 5, and 7, and at the northern boundary with Del Mar City Beach. The warnings will remain in place for 24 hours.
Officials emphasized that while sightings like this can be alarming, sharks play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, and actual encounters with humans remain rare.
Beachgoers are encouraged to enjoy the water — but stay alert.
