Great White Shark Spotted Circling Surfer Off Newport Beach Coast

Beach closures enacted as authorities monitor the area for the 8-foot shark.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An 8-foot great white shark was spotted circling a surfer in the waters off Newport Beach, California on Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to clear the water for a mile in both directions and close the beaches for at least four hours as they monitor the situation.

Why it matters

Shark sightings and encounters with swimmers and surfers are not uncommon along the Southern California coast, but they can pose a serious threat to public safety. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and quick action by local authorities to protect beachgoers when a potentially dangerous shark is spotted in the area.

The details

The shark sighting occurred around 1:15 pm off 35th Street in Newport Beach. Lifeguards with the Newport Beach Fire Department confirmed the 8-foot great white shark was circling a surfer in the water. Authorities immediately cleared the water for a mile in both directions from the last known location of the shark and closed the beaches, which will remain shut for at least four hours as they monitor the situation.

  • The shark sighting occurred around 1:15 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • The beach closures will last for a minimum of four hours.

The players

Newport Beach Fire Department

The local fire department whose lifeguards confirmed the shark sighting and initiated the beach closures.

Newport Beach Police Department

The local police department that was made aware of the incident by the Newport Beach Fire Department.

Orange County Sheriff's Department

The county-level law enforcement agency that was also notified about the shark sighting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the area and the shark's movements, and will only reopen the beaches once they deem the area safe for the public.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of beach safety and the need for quick action by local authorities when potentially dangerous marine life is spotted near populated areas. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public access to beaches with protecting beachgoers from natural threats.