Thursday, May 30, 2024 San Clemente beachgoers faced an unexpected disruption to their Memorial Day plans following a reported shark encounter on Sunday evening. Incident Spurs Caution: A local surfer alerted lifeguards around 8 pm after a large, dark object bumped him from his surfboard. Though unharmed, the incident raised concerns about potentially aggressive behavior.
Precautionary Measures: Following established protocols, authorities enacted a 24-hour closure of a two-mile stretch of the beach. This stricter measure is typically reserved for confirmed aggressive shark behavior, prioritizing the safety of swimmers and surfers. Beach Activities Unaffected: While access to the water was restricted, the beach itself remained open, allowing sunbathers and picnickers to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Community Spirit Prevails: The closure did not deter the entrepreneurial spirit of one young visitor. Six-year-old Waylon Andino continued with his planned lemonade fundraiser, demonstrating the community’s ability to adapt and make the most of the situation..