Shark Warning Signs Posted Along Santa Barbara Beaches

Warning signs are posted along Santa Barbara beaches following a great white shark sighting. Karl Treiberg, Acting Waterfront Director, confirmed to KEY News that a surfer spotted the shark just before 5:30 Tuesday evening in the line up off Leadbetter Beach.

The shark was roughly five feet away from the surfer, with both its dorsal fin and tail fin jutting out of the water. The shark’s fin “spread” was estimated to be six to seven feet in length. That, combined with the reported color and girth, lead experts to believe it was a credible great white shark sighting.

Santa Barbara marine mammal experts have documented at least three recent seal attacks off our coast, most likely by a great white shark. Two were in the Santa Barbara Harbor area; the most recent was off the coast of Carpinteria.

Warning signs will remain posted at 14 locations near city beaches, through Thursday.