SA police warn beachgoers to be aware of Great White Shark at Aldinga Beach

As crowds prepare to hit the coast this Easter, a chilling warning has been issued over a mysterious figure lurking in shallow waters at one of Adelaide’s most popular beaches.

On the eve of the Easter long weekend, beachgoers have been hit with a chilling warning about a Great White Shark spotted lurking in the shallows of one of Adelaide’s most visited beaches.

SA Police’s Water Operations Unit has increased water patrols across inland and coastal locations – and will now pay “particular attention” to Aldinga Beach after two shark sightings in as many days last week.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Suter urged visitors to “be vigilant” following “increased” reports.

“We want the public to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but to do so safely,” he said.

“While authorities are monitoring the loitering shark in the vicinity of Aldinga Beach, we encourage beachgoers to be vigilant and adhere to all rules and regulations when on the water.”

Currently, a fixed wing shark patrol conducts routine flights between 9am and 5.30pm, which will sound a siren when a shark is sighted.

A shark was spotted at Maslins Beach last Saturday morning. Picture: Jan Stankiewicz

Over the long weekend, a jet rescue boat will be deployed across the southern beaches aiming to provide coverage between 10am and 6pm.

Last week, ahead of the AFL’s Gather Round, a massive shark was spotted about 50m offshore at Aldinga Beach.

Just a day later, at Maslins Beach, another shark was filmed “cruising around the gulls and close to shore”.

SAPOL has advised beachgoers to avoid swimming near food sources like large schools of fish and to stay away from murky waters and deep channels.

Research scientist Dr Michael Drew said great white’s can “unpredictably” visit close to shore “at any time of year”.

“The near-shore coastal marine environment is an important habitat for juvenile and sub-adult white sharks as it provides access to preferred prey species, such as small-bodied sharks and rays, and larger fish species like Australian salmon and snapper,” Dr Drew said.

Up-to-date hazard alert information for all South Australian beaches is available to the public via the BeachSafe platform.