SAN CLEMENTE, California: California officials closed a beach prior to the Memorial Day holiday after a shark knocked a surf boarder into the water.
Entering the Pacific Ocean at the popular San Clemente beach was prohibited for 24 hours following the report.
The surfer reported seeing a large, dark object swimming toward him, after which he was knocked into the water, according to San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur.
Procedures call for beach closures when sightings of sharks 10 feet or longer occur.
Also, aggressive behavior by a shark results in a 24-hour shutdown of beaches.