Brighton Beach closed on Saturday after more shark sightings

People have been evacuated from the water at Brighton Beach on Saturday afternoon after the third shark sighting in two days – including a 2.5m bronze whaler.

Three shark sightings over two days have forced the closure of Brighton Beach this afternoon.

Surf lifesaving patrols evacuated the water at about 3pm after a member of the public spotted a shark about 50-100m north of Brighton 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. The helicopter chased the shark back out to sea.

It’s still unclear if the sightings are of the same shark or multiple sharks.

Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club captain Kevin Whelan said three jetskis and an inflatable boat are monitoring the beach, which was now safe and open to the public.

“The key message is to be alert, not alarmed, and swim between the flags,” he said.

The sighting comes just a day after swimmers at Brighton Beach spotted a three-metre shark about 10 metres from the jetty.

Swimmers are being warned to avoid a popular Adelaide beach after four shark sightings in two days. Brighton Beach has been closed for much of the afternoon - @CaseyTreloar7 has the latest. Send your weather videos and photos to 7NEWS Adelaide: https://t.co/xdDzDcJ6ds#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/UsrOMqJH62

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) December 17, 2022

View along Brighton Beach from the jetty, from which a 3m shark was spotted just 10 metres away. Picture: Russell Millard

The sighting comes as the annual aerial shark patrol begins its summer season to keep South Australia’s beaches safe.

The Hartwig Air operated services will run daily patrols between 10am and 7.30pm, from North Haven to Rapid Bay until April.

This year, the service has been extended to cover the south coast from Rosetta Head to the mouth of the River Murray on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

The flights will consist of a three person crew, trained by the SA State Emergency Services.

On the sighting of a shark that may pose a risk to the public, a siren will be sounded and the aircraft will fly continuous orbits above the location while communicating with police.

Police will manage the incident and provide information to the public by traditional and social media platforms.