Pismo Beach officials are posting shark warnings for the next three days after a surfer reported seeing a 12-foot shark 150 yards out from the beach and 150 to 200 yards south of the Pismo Beach pier at 10:25 a.m. Thursday.

The Fire Department says it considers this a “credible dangerous animal sighting.”

The beach remains open. Battalion Chief Paul Lee told The Tribune the department does not have the authority to ban people from going in the water, but hopes the warning signs will be effective.

“Oceans are a natural environment,” Lee said, and “citizens should always use caution during ocean activities.”