BOSTON — Just in time for the Fourth of July.

Phones were lighting up across the region on Thursday with the first shark alert of the season, as vacationers flock to the beach.

A great white shark was spotted close to a beach in Chatham, where sharks throughout the summer and fall hunt for seals.

“!! SHARK ALERT !!” shark researcher John Chisholm posted. “White shark spotted 50 yards off North Beach Island (Chatham) headed south.

“Download the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy #Sharktivity app to stay up to date on white shark sightings and alerts!” Chisholm added.

Shark alerts are issued on the Sharktivity app when a white shark sighting is confirmed close to a public beach. A notification goes out with each alert.

This shark alert comes as many dead seals with shark bites have been found along the Cape. Also, fishermen have reported white sharks stealing their striped bass.

The Sharktivity app helps raise awareness of the presence of white sharks off the coast. The app sightings sightings are fed by researchers, safety officials, and users who upload photos for confirmation.

As people head to the beach, officials are urging them to be “shark smart.”

This includes being aware of sharks’ presence in shallow waters, avoiding areas where seals are present or schools of fish are visible, and staying close to shore where emergency responders can reach you if needed.

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