Get out of the water! RNLI closes beach in Dorset after ‘shark’ was spotted as lifeguards on jet skis patrol sea for signs of ‘large marine life’

• Boscombe beach in Bournemouth was closed for almost on hour on Tuesday
• It came after three reports of ‘large marine life’ in the water off the beach
• Red flags were put up on the beach and a loudspeaker announcement told families enjoying the summer sun not to get into the water 

The RNLI closed a busy Dorset beach on Wednesday after a shark was reportedly spotted in the water.  

RNLI lifeguards put up red flags, the signal to warn swimmers of a serious hazard in the water and put out a tannoy announcement telling people to get out of the sea. 

Lifeguards on jet skis then spent 20 minutes searching the water off Boscombe beach in Bournemouth after three reports of some kind of ‘large marine life’ under the water, an RNLI spokesman said. 

The beach, which was busy with families enjoying the summer sun, remained closed for almost an hour. 

The RNLI closed a busy Dorset beach on Wednesday after a shark was reportedly spotted in the water

A spokesperson for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said that the beach was ‘temporarily closed’ as ‘a precautionary measure’ while the inspection was carried out. 

‘The beach is now open again for people to enjoy,’ they said.     

Witness Gemma Harris said: ‘The lifeguard put out a loudspeaker announcement saying ‘everyone out of the water. There is marine wildlife in the water.’

‘Everybody rushed out of the water and the RNLI response was very effective.

‘They checked the water for about half-an-hour before letting bathers back in. Apparently a fin was spotted. We heard one of the RNLI team say it was a shark but nothing has been confirmed.’ 

Lifeguards on jet skis then spent 20 minutes searching the water off Boscombe beach in Bournemouth after three reports of some kind of ‘large marine life’ under the water, an RNLI spokesman said

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