Overview
- RNLI lifeguards ordered swimmers out of St Ouen’s Bay and flew a red flag after a suspected shark was seen, and the beach stayed closed for about 45 minutes while lifeguards used a jet ski to search and found no further sign.
- Witnesses and lifeguards described a large, dark‑grey animal roughly 10 to 12 feet long and reported one close encounter where a lifeguard paddling on a rescue board said he struck the animal, but the species was not confirmed by experts.
- The sighting took place on Saturday at St Ouen’s Bay and came days after a 4‑metre smalltooth sand tiger washed up at nearby Grève d'Azette, events that local responders and media have connected to a cluster of uncommon summer shark records in the Channel.
- RNLI spokespersons stressed the closure was a safety precaution following protocol to clear the water when a suspected shark is reported, and lifeguards described such a beach shutdown in Jersey as highly unusual.
- Officials say identification requires clear photos or expert assessment, so the nearshore sighting highlights both the need for confirmed species data and the practical effect on beach use and local lifeguard operations this season.