Terrifying detail in background of innocent family beach photo sparks debate

A seemingly innocent family beach photo has sparked a heated debate online after a small detail in the background of the image was pointed out.

At first, the image, taken at Melbourne’s Carrum Beach, just seems like a nice family photo, with a toddler and her dad on the sand smiling and waving at the camera.

However, in the water behind the family an object which closely resembles a fin is circled.

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The photo was shared to social media by SES Chelsea Unit and sparked a debate as to what the object could be.

The unit explained that same day, there were reports of a shark sighting just off the beach, between Bonbeach and Chelsea.

“Well later, we received a message from a family ... who were at Carrum Beach, earlier in the morning,” the post read.

“It was their little one’s first visit to the beach, and the gentleman’s partner grabbed a couple of snaps to record the day.”

“Later, when they got home, and looked at the pictures, they noticed something in the shallow water, just behind them, was this our shark?”

The unit said none of the team was sure exactly the object may be, but added they had contacted a number of places to ask for an expert opinion.

However, those in the comments section of the post had their own theories.

“It’s highly unlikely that a shark cruising in the shallows would not be seen and those in the photo not aware. Sharks when cruising shallows travel in line with the beach and are easy to see,” one person said.

“I think it’s just a dog swimming,” another suggested.

“This is extremely shallow water for it (a shark) to not be noticed,” a third piped in.

But, regardless of what the object was many people said they would rather avoid it.

“It’s not a dolphin or a sting ray?” one person asked. “They come fairly close to the shore. Jesus though… not keen to take the whippet for a swim now.”

While there have been no reported shark fatalities in Victoria in 30 years, beach goers are still urged to be mindful when getting into the water.