Rio Del Mar State Beach closed for two days following shark encounter, no injuries reported

APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV) - A mile stretch of Rio Del Mar beach is closed due to shark activity.

According to California State Parks, the beach was closed due to a shark encounter at Rio Del Mar near Lifeguard Tower 7. The shark was encountered by a youth aide setting a buoy for the Rio Del Mar Junior Lifeguard program 100 yards offshore.

The shark had bumped the buoy, coming in contact with the aide and hitting his body with no injury. Lifeguards on site helped the aide out of the water. There were no injuries reported.

We are incredibly grateful that this morning’s incident ended without injury. The immediate and selfless response from lifeguards to assist the swimmer resulted in a safe outcome," said Gabe McKenna, Public Safety Superintendent for the Santa Cruz District.

The mile stretch of beach is closed for 48 hours as a precaution as part of the California State Parks Shark Incident Response Plan, with signage being posted to alert beachgoers.

While the water is closed for recreation, the sand is still accessible for those walking along the beach.

State Parks is reminding beachgoers that with the Fourth of July this Friday, they should be aware of their surroundings and follow the guidance of local lifeguards on state beaches.