CARLSBAD (NEWS 8) — Memorial Day is a popular time to head to the coast, including Carlsbad State Beach.
About a handful of sharks have been spotted along our shores, north of Carlsbad. So, people are being cautious as they approach the water.
"If I saw their fins flipping around out there I wouldn't go out," said one surfer. "I don't want to get bit."
San Clemente lifeguards say shark sightings shut down the beach over the weekend.
When News 8 took a helicopter ride recently, swimmers, surfers and beachgoers were told to get out of the water as four sharks were spotted by the shore.
One was reportedly an adult shark, 9 to 10 feet long - they feed on smaller marine life.
It included an area one mile north and one mile south of the San Clemente Pier.
Just a week ago, more than two dozen great white sharks appeared in the same area.
Last month, a 10-foot great white shark bit a woman's thigh at San Onofre State Beach.
Juvenile great white sharks - measuring under 8 feet - are commonly seen along Southern California beaches as they eat small fish.
Lifeguards reopened the San Clemente Beach around 3:30 Sunday afternoon when they felt it was safe.
A marine safety expert says they're monitoring the water with a sheriff's helicopter and drone.