According to eyewitnesses and lifeguards, the dolphins formed a tight circle around the pair, repeatedly guiding them back toward shore. Soon after, a great white shark—estimated to be about three meters long—was seen nearby.
For roughly 30 to 40 minutes, the dolphins held their formation, using tail slaps and sudden bursts of movement to deter the shark. They only broke away once it swam off, allowing the swimmers to return safely. The encounter is often referenced as a powerful example of dolphins’ social intelligence and coordinated protective behavior toward humans.