SoCal beaches set to be shark attack hotspots as warm waters attract deadly predators

It’s “Jaws” season in the ocean.

As summer begins to settle into SoCal, experts warn shark activity will likely increase along the shoreline and in shallow waters.

“The water has been progressively warmer — unusually warm,” said Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach, told the Orange County Register. “We think that may have brought females back earlier to give birth. All those are signs it will be a sharky summer.”

Recent encounters are already raising concerns along the coast.

In Newport Beach, ocean access was temporarily halted after a surfer spotted a shark gliding beneath her, circling just below her board.

Farther up the coast in Hermosa Beach, a fisherman drew widespread attention online after hooking a young great white shark and attempting to guide it safely back into the water.

Lowe said researchers are closely monitoring local waters, warning that unusually warm ocean temperatures and a potential El Niño could recreate conditions seen a decade ago, when sharks moved closer to shore.

But sharks don’t want waters that are too warm either, making Southern California an ideal breeding ground.

“They’re sort of like the three bears — they don’t like it too warm or too cold,” Lowe said. “They want it to be just right. And right now, off Southern California, it is just right.”

Shark sightings in Southern California have surged, with drones spotting sharks near beachgoers on 97% of survey days. Still, actual shark bites remain extremely rare — averaging fewer than two per year statewide — according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Tracking data shows sharks have been especially active across Santa Monica Bay and up toward Santa Barbara, possibly scouting summer habitats.

Beaches like Long Beach and Huntington Beach could once again become hotspots, according to the local paper.

Juvenile sharks — typically 5 to 6 feet long — prefer shallow, sandy waters where they can avoid predators while feeding on stingrays and smaller sharks near shore.

Despite the increase in sightings, experts stress attacks remain rare. Drone footage shows sharks often swimming just beneath beachgoers — largely ignoring them.

“People and juvenile sharks appear to coexist,” Lowe said. “Humans aren’t seen as prey.”

Still, with warming waters and crowded beaches ahead of major global events, researchers say vigilance — and continued funding — will be key to keeping swimmers safe.

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