Shark Activity Advisory Sign Comes Down at Gaviota State Beach
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — The Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County is often compared to the Galápagos Islands due to its biodiversity.
That’s why some people aren’t surprised to hear that a kayaker reported seeing a 14-foot white shark on Monday.
Lifeguards and a park ranger removed the warning sign 24 hours later, as part of their Level 1 protocol following a confirmed sighting.
A couple from Ojai, staying in the campground, said they may have seen the shark, too.
“We were just swimming on a normal night and we actually saw a fin pop up. We don’t know if it was a shark or a dolphin, but whatever it was, we were talking about it all last night,” said Charlie Hayworth. “It kind of gave us a little bit of a scare. We got out of the water real quick and backed up a little bit. We’re just happy we’re okay.”
Other signs remind visitors that the Santa Barbara Channel is home to more than two dozen species of whales and dolphins.
Visitors say one of the main attractions in the area is the diversity of marine life.
“It is really pretty to know there are a bunch of things out there,” said Eden Meyers.
Janet Openshaw, of Old Orcutt, didn’t know about Monday’s shark sighting until she saw lifeguards being asked about it.
“I would just tell my girls — and myself as well — just don’t go out too far, be aware of your surroundings, and yeah, have fun,” Openshaw said.
A similar sighting was reported in late May.
Despite the renewed attention from the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws and the annual Shark Week in July on the Discovery Channel, most campers and beachgoers seem to take it in stride.
Landon Bowman and Blake Webster of San Diego said they still plan to enjoy the ocean.
Shark detection buoys used by the Cal State University Long Beach Shark Lab are strategically placed up and down the coast. They cost about $15,000 each and provide data for those on patrol.
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