Evacuation at Glenelg beach as public reports a shark near the groyne

A fourth shark sighting in three days has sparked an evacuation at a metro beach while a seal has made an appearance at another – a day after it was shut due to a shark.

A possible shark sighting at Glenelg prompted a short evacuation as a precaution as the public flocked to beaches to enjoy the warmer weather.

The sighting at South Australia’s most famous beach is the fourth at metropolitan beaches in three days.

Just after 10am on Sunday a member of the public approached off-duty Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club members and said they had spotted a shark measuring about 1.5m of an unknown species off the Glenelg groyne.

Club members evacuated swimmers from the water for 20 minutes but there were no further sightings.

It comes after Brighton Beach was closed on Saturday afternoon for a period after a shark alarm.

Surf lifesavers on boards in the water at Brighton Beach a day after it was closed after it was closed due to a shark sighting. Picture: Emma Brasier

Surf lifesaving patrols evacuated swimmers from the water at Brighton at about 3pm on Saturday after a member of the public reported a shark about 50-100m north of the jetty.

An hour later, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter sighted a 2.5m bronze whaler shark between Seacliff and Brighton about 200m off the coast and chased it out to sea.

That sighting came just a day after swimmers at Brighton Beach spotted a shark they estimated at 3m near the jetty.

It is not known if the sightings are all of one shark – despite the varying length estimates – or multiple sharks.

Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club captain Kevin Whelan said the key message for the public is to be alert, not alarmed, and swim between the flags.

A seal lolling under the Brighton jetty a day after the beach was closed due to a shark sighting. Picture: Emma Brasier

A seal lolling under the Brighton jetty a day after the beach was closed due to a shark sighting. Picture: Emma Brasier

Meanwhile beachgoers at Brighton were delighted by the appearance of a seal lolling just off the jetty – but it also prompted discussion about whether that was why a shark was in the area.

The seal stayed in water just off the jetty for about two hours around lunchtime, giving families on the jetty a show as it periodically raised a fin and tail.

Nearby swimmers and snorkellers kept their distance while also enjoying the encounter.

A large contingent of life guards were on duty keeping a close watch and at one stage the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter flew over the area.

In South Australia swimmers including snorkellers must not move closer than 30m to a marine mammal.