Entry into the water from Seapoint to the Huntington Beach Pier was restricted Tuesday after reports of a 10- to 12-foot great white shark acting aggressively.
The beach closure is expected to remain in effect until 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department.
The Orange County Register reported, citing Huntington Beach Marine Safety officials, that the shark was circling in the water, a sign of aggressive behavior, prompting a stretch of the beach approximately a mile north and south of Tower 16, to be closed.
Beachgoers were advised to be vigilant of posted signage and to follow instructions from lifeguards to ensure safety.
The Orange County Register reported that multiple shark sightings have been documented this year, including several hammerhead sharks in Laguna Beach and Malibu in August, noting that shark sightings are believed to be attributed to warm ocean waters caused by El Niño conditions.