Sightings of great white sharks have led operators of Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts, to keep it closed for swimming until at least Monday.

The great white sharks were spotted in 5 to 7 feet of water off the eastern portion of the beach on Sept. 17, the Ipswich Police Department posted on Facebook.

Hiking and other activities at the beach remain permitted during the swimming hiatus.

“We will continue to reassess and will reopen for swimming as soon as shark activity in the area dissipates enough to be deemed safe,” Christopher Moore, property director for Crane Beach, told independent Boston TV station WHDH.

Experts believe the sharks spotted may be juveniles looking for fish as opposed to other prey sources.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.