Shark Scare at NJ Beach

A few hectic moments at an Ocean County beach Wednesday afternoon after an alleged shark sighting forced lifeguards to clear the water.

It all happened around 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Ocean Avenue and M Street beach in Seaside Park, N.J.

“Our guards that were sitting there thought the saw a fin pop up -- in and out,” beach patrol Sgt. Jim Rankin said.

that was all lifeguards needed. Even though beach patrol couldn't confirm the sighting they still cleared the ocean in front of two lifeguard stands just to be safe, Rankins said.

Bathers were allowed back into the Atlantic about 10 to 15 minutes later, officials said.

Some skates were spotted in the same area as the alleged shark sighting so it's possible the shark sighting was actually a misidentified skate, officials said.


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