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Huntington Beach Shark Sighting Prompts Water Closure

Water safety teams are monitoring the coastline after an estimated 10-foot shark forced organizers to halt competition and close the ocean near the pier.

  • The World Surf League paused the Vans Jack's Surfboards Pro in Huntington Beach on Friday following an aggressive shark sighting in the competition zone on Thursday afternoon.
  • Huntington Beach City Protocol mandates a 24-hour water closure for sharks exceeding eight feet exhibiting aggressive behavior, Marine Safety Division Chief Trevor McDonald explained regarding the incident.
  • The Huntington Beach Fire Department closed a 2-mile stretch of water from Beach Boulevard to 17th Street, utilizing drones and lifeguard boats to monitor the area throughout the hold.
  • While beachside activities continue as scheduled, the WSL expects to resume the competition Saturday at 7 a.m. if the water safety team confirms the contest area is clear.
  • Long Beach Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe predicted a "very sharky summer" for Southern California, as warmer waters encourage great white sharks to remain in local areas longer.
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Aggressive shark shuts down surf contest in California

A shark sighting off Huntington Beach in California has prompted officials to shut down ocean waters near the pier and pause a major surf competition, according to event organizers.

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Fox 11 LA broke the news on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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