A confirmed shark sighting was reported on Friday off the Carlsbad coast near state lifeguard Tower 37, just north of Tamarack State Beach. According to California State Parks, the shark was estimated to be 7 to 10 feet long. 

Shark advisory signs have been posted along the beach, and the City of Carlsbad is coordinating closely with California State Parks lifeguards, who oversee the tower where the sighting occurred. The advisory will remain in effect for 24 hours for Carlsbad beaches within one mile in each direction of lifeguard Tower 37. 

Both city and state beaches remain open. However, out of an abundance of caution, lifeguards are advising beachgoers to avoid entering the ocean for the next 24 hours.

Lifeguards will continue to monitor the area and provide updates as needed.

California State Parks asked that we remind beachgoers that sharks are an important part of the coastal ecosystem and that interactions between humans and sharks are rare along the coast of Southern California. 

Additional information regarding sharks along the coast of Southern California

Media Contact:
Holly Angeles-Gonzales
Public Information Officer
holly.angelesgonzales@carlsbadca.gov