Beaches In Mass. OK For Swimmers After Sharks Seen

Several beaches in southeastern Massachusetts have been reopened to swimming after bathers were ordered out of the water because of shark sightings.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation reopened popular Horseneck Beach in Westport to swimming on Friday. It had been closed earlier in the week when a lifeguard reported seeing a shark about 100 yards from shore.

DCR spokeswoman Wendy Fox says the swimming area has been reduced and people are being urged not go any further than wait deep into the water. She says lifeguards on jet skis are monitoring the waters for sharks.

New Bedford officials reopened three public beaches on Friday after aerial surveillance by the Coast Guard showed no sign of any sharks.

Five miles of beach in Chatham have been closed since several great white sharks were spotted last week.