A shark sighting yesterday prompted closure of the waters at Stinson
Beach through the Labor Day weekend. IJ photo/Robert Tong


By STAFF REPORTS

Confirmed sighting of a great white shark Friday closed the waters
off Stinson Beach to swimmers and surfers through the Labor Day
weekend.
The popular Marin County beach remains open to waders and
beachgoers.

The closure came scant hours after the beach reopened following a 5-
day closure spurred by last Saturday's sighting of a shark about 75
yards offshore.

"It really wasn't even opened," said Michael Feinstein, spokesman
for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes the
beach. "Most of the people at the beach don't go into the water
anyway."

The sighting came from a Marin County Sheriff helicopter Friday
morning.

U.S. Park Police had just carted off the "no swimming" signs when
word came the waters were again closed.

While sightings and closures are common off Stinson Beach, this one -
- during a holiday and with forecasters predicting heat and sun for
the usually fog-bound coast -- is rare, Feinstein said.

"This is unusual. We've had them on holidays before, but it's never
been beach weather."

Temperatures along the coast today should flirt with the lower 80s,
the National Weather Service says.

A mile inland, 90s are possible.