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Public Safety

La Jolla Beach Closed After Shark Sighting

A two-mile stretch of San Diego coastline near Casa Reef in La Jolla is closed after several people spotted a dorsal fin Wednesday afternoon.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department says the water will be off limits one mile in each direction from Casa Reef for 24 hours.

A police helicopter is being used to search the area.

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Maurice Luque with the Fire Department says three surfers and two boogie boarders reported seeing a 12-inch fin at about 2 p.m., prompting lifeguards to clear the area.

It's the third closure in San Diego in less than a week because of possible shark sightings at area beaches.

Lifeguards closed a two-mile stretch of coastline off Mission Beach last Thursday after a lifeguard spotted an 18-inch dorsal fin, and again the next day after a surfer saw a 14-inch fin about 100 yards out.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.