A shark sighting in Newport Beach Thursday forced city officials to close access to the water at the beach off 35th Street.
About 1:15 p.m. Thursday, lifeguards were alerted to the sighting of an 8-foot great white shark circling a surfer near 35th Street beach, said Georgia Rios, a spokeswoman for the city.
Initially, officials planned a four-hour closure but decided to extend it until further notice, Rios said.
Beachgoers can still enjoy the sand but are restricted from going into the water. Other lifeguard agencies in the area have also been notified.