Officials warn swimmers to steer clear of seals

CHATHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- Boaters and beachgoers in Chatham are getting some advice from authorities this holiday week after great white sharks were spotted in shallow waters: Stay away from seals.

The Chatham harbormaster has warned swimmers to stay 300 feet away from seals because they attract sharks.

Given that great whites are back in the waters off the Cape this summer, some people preferred to spend this holiday on dry land. The beaches were crowded for the Fourth of July but the water was not.

“I went in to my knees ‘cause I didn't want to get eaten by a shark,” said Sydney Pacen.

Swimmers stayed near the shore line at Lighthouse Beach.

“Just figured we'd come out and see what all the hype is about,” said Patrick Cullen.

Cape Cod’s self-proclaimed shark hunters say they spotted two great whites on Tuesday. One shark was spotted near Monomoy Island -- the other was spotted off the shore of South Beach in Chatham.

The 16-foot long sharks were reportedly swimming in water just three or four feet deep.

Swimmers at Chatham beaches have been warned to stay at least 300 feet away from seals which attract the sharks.

“I wouldn't put the kids in the water out here just to be on the safe side,” Cullen said.

But beaches are still open for swimming and at Lighthouse Beach; word of seals has been drawing a crowd. 

“I saw black heads popping up in big groups by all the tinted water out here, the light blue,” said Brendan Reedy.

Sharks were most recently spotted near the Cape on Tuesday. The first sharks that were detected this summer were back in early June.