Beachgoers in Southern California are being cautioned following multiple sightings of young great white sharks near popular beaches. San Diego Fire-Rescue issued an advisory urging swimmers at Blacks Beach to exercise caution when entering the water after lifeguards observed three juvenile great whites approximately 100 yards offshore. The sharks, estimated to be six, eight, and nine feet long, were seen feeding on a sea lion carcass and displayed no aggression towards humans. Signs warning of the shark presence were placed along the beach for a mile in either direction from the sighting.

This incident follows recent footage captured by photographer Kevin Christopherson showing at least four great white sharks swimming near surfers at San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County. Christopherson noted the sharks' presence didn't deter surfers from enjoying the waves. Earlier this month, a separate shark sighting at a Carlsbad beach also led to advisory signs being posted. In that instance, the shark, measured at eight to ten feet, was swimming in the surf line but did not interact with beachgoers. The specific type of shark was not identified.

California State Parks spokesperson Jorge Moreno emphasized that sharks are a vital component of the coastal ecosystem and that human-shark interactions are infrequent in Southern California. Summer is considered shark season in the region, as the near-shore waters serve as nursery areas for young great whites. While the risk of a shark attack remains extremely low, the great white is the sole species in California waters posing a notable threat to humans. Historical data from the California Academy of Sciences reveals only 99 unprovoked shark attacks, resulting in nine fatalities, have been recorded in California's history. Adult great whites primarily prey on seals and sea lions, with human encounters usually occurring in shallower waters. Great white sharks have been a protected species in California since 1994. Most shark incidents involve brief, non-aggressive contact due to misidentification or curiosity.