Shark warning posted at beaches in Aptos after shark sightings

APTOS, Calif. (KGO) -- Visitors to a popular stretch of the California coast are being advised to stay out of the water this Fourth of July.

Warning signs are posted from Rio del Mar to New Brighton Beach State Park because of a large group of sharks patrolling the waters at Seacliff State Beach.

One of nature's great predators is drawing fans to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos.

"Loaning my binoculars to other people. So we've had other people coming by, being able to look at them. People are getting real excited by it," said Salinas resident R.J. Adams.

Drone video provided by Archer Koch shows a group of 15 juvenile sharks swimming in the area Monday. The sighting prompted authorities to post warning signs that'll be up through Sunday night.

Shark expert Sean Van Sommeran said they arrived two weeks ago and haven't left.

"Probably feeding at night on small sharks and rays and all of the bait fish. And then lounging around in that warmer water," said Van Sommeran of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation.

Most of the sharks are about 8 to 10 feet. However, one was estimated to be about 18-feet and 5,000 pounds.

Van Sommeran compared it to seeing bears at Yellowstone National Park. If you see one, keep your distance.

"Don't go running toward the bear cubs or paddling out to sharks," he said.

Just up the coast in Santa Cruz, more than a million people are expected to hit the beach this weekend. With no shark sightings there, Santa Cruz authorities are saying enjoy the water.

"I have no fears going into the water. I would let my 5-year-old son go in the water," said one beach goer.

There have been 114 shark attacks in California since 1926, 10 of them were fatal. Just seven of the attacks were in Santa Cruz County.