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Aug 25, 2008 11:13 am US/Pacific
Shark Sighting Causes Stinson Beach Restrictions
STINSON BEACH (BCN) ―
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Officials believe that the shark sighted was a great white, like the one seen here.
AP
A Sunday evening shark sighting at Stinson Beach has prompted the National Park Service to restrict water access at the beach through Friday.
The shark was spotted around 7 p.m. about 125 yards offshore, north of the beach's main lifeguard tower, by a surfer who worked as a lifeguard for the Park Service last year.
The shark is thought to be a great white because of its size and the shape of its tail, Park Service spokeswoman Ozola Cody said.
John Ralph, chief lifeguard at Stinson Beach, said the shark was described as 8 to 10 feet long, which may indicate it is young.
"This shark had a lot of girth,'' he said.
Officials are posting signs Monday morning to warn visitors of the sighting, and beachgoers will not be able to go in water past their knees.
Park Service officials will monitor the waters through Friday.
Ralf said "sharks are always out there'' but that the last shark sighting at the beach was in May 2007.
He said the Park Service has informed the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District and other local agencies of the sighting, and that local surf shops will also be contacted.
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