Swimming banned in Chatham due to shark sightings

CHATHAM, Mass. -- Officials are warning swimmers to stay away from seals along the Chatham shoreline following multiple shark sightings.

In the past week, there have been multiple credible sightings near Monomoy Island and the north beach inlets, as well as other pieces of tell-tale evidence -- seal carcasses. Beachgoers have been warned to stay at least 300 feet away from seal colonies -- a faction preyed upon by sharks.

“You pay attention to where there are sightings and swim somewhere else,” said one Chatham visitor.

Ever since one shark sighting in 2009, sharks have become part of summer in Chatham, taking over conversation and souvenir shops.

“Since last year, when they spotted five or six sharks, that’s when things really kicked off, and people started buying more stuff,” one shop worker said. The store sells a mug that reads: “Send more tourists, the last ones were delicious.”

So far, no beaches have been closed since this sighting.

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