Photo: Martin Heyn / iStock / Getty Images
A swimmer had a close encounter with a great white shark at Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego on Tuesday (May 20). The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Lifeguard Tower #5 when a shark, measuring about seven to eight feet, reportedly bumped into the swimmer before swimming away. Park officials quickly posted warning signs at beach access points near Towers #2, #5, and #7, which remained for 24 hours.
According to Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab, it's rare for sharks to bump into swimmers or surfers. He suggested the shark might have been startled or curious. Jack Elstner, a Ph.D. student at Scripps University of Oceanography, explained that juvenile white sharks often use near-shore environments as nursery habitats due to the warm waters and abundant food supply.
While shark sightings can be alarming, Elstner noted they indicate a healthy ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of respecting these predators while enjoying the beach. Lowe advised beachgoers to remain cautious, not just because of sharks, but also other sea creatures like stingrays, which injure about 10,000 people annually in California.
Shark season in San Diego typically peaks in July and August, extending from April to November. The California State Parks reminded visitors that shark interactions with humans are rare and that sharks play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem.