San Diego

Surfers Still Chasing Big Waves Despite Recent Shark Sightings at Area Beaches

A 48-hour shark warning for San Onofre State Beach was lifted Friday afternoon.

However, lifeguards are advising swimmers and surfers to stay aware of their surroundings.

The warning was put into effect on Thursday after a surfer reported a shark making an “aggressive” move. That same day, an Orange County sheriff’s helicopter was heard warning surfers of two, more than 12-foot long, sharks seen in the area. That same day sharks were seen in waters from Capistrano to Long Beach.

Lifeguards are on duty at the San Onofre beach near Camp Pendleton from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. However, after Sunday, lifeguard hours will make a seasonal change and guards will stay on duty until 7 p.m.

“They will remain keeping a vigilant eye on the waters while working with state partners to our north to determine what type of dangers are present in the water,” said 1st Lt. Abigail Peterson, Strategic Communication Officer with Camp Pendleton.

Meanwhile, surfers continued to stay in the water despite the presence of the sharks.

“I go every day rain or shine, big surf or small surf. Sharks, whales, crocodiles, dolphins, I'm out there. Went out there every day this week,” said Chris Prussak of San Clemente.

As a seasoned surfer, Prussak was willing to offer a little insight as to why the sightings and warnings might have picked up, but he reiterated that it’s not something that he’s worried about.

“Maybe there’s more sightings because there’s more people in the water, maybe they’re making a comeback, I‘m not sure,” Prussak added. “That’s, like, not a big concern for a person that’s surfing all the time.”

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