Maybe The Ponds Are Still Safe

A string of great white shark sightings off Cape Cod has some tourists fearful and others hoping to catch a look at the giant creatures themselves. Call it "Jaws" mania.Officials in Chatham, Massachusetts are warning beach-goers to stay close to shore after several shark sightings near the town.

In a notice on the town's website, the harbormaster warns, "Swimmers should exercise caution while swimming in Chatham's ocean waters."The notice further suggests, "If a shark is sighted, please get out of the water."

The town is also prohibiting swimming within 300 feet of areas with seals, as seals often attract the giant sharks.

On Tuesday, a 12-foot shark was tagged by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries off Chatham's South Beach. At least three others were spotted close to popular beaches, officials said.

The largest great whites are about 20 feet in length and weigh about 5,000 pounds.

Of course all this comes at the height of the beach-going season in Massachusetts.