Enjoying a gentle wade through the tepid green waters of California, this woman had no idea that she was slowly being encircled by a group of sharks.

But she got the shock of her life when she nearly walked into one.

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Out for a stroll: The woman has no idea that her path is leading her directly into a group of sharks in Marina del Rey, California

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Enjoying the sun, she innocently saunters right into the centre of the group

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Then, the horrified woman nearly walks in to one - and takes off in a desperate sprint to safety

Her gentle wade promptly became a frantic run.

Splashing her way through the shallow water, she ran straight for the beach at Marina del Rey.

The images were captured by the KTLA news helicopter, following news and traffic stories for the Los Angeles television station.

Leopard sharks are not known for attacking humans.

They are bottom feeders that usually feast on worms, molluscs, crustaceans, octopuses and small fish - but the woman was taking no chances.

They can grow up to 7ft in length and have dappled markings which camouflage them underwater.