A 14-year-old boy was bitten on the leg by a shark while at a junior lifeguard camp in Florida, according to a local official.
The teen was diving into the water when he landed on the shark at Ponce Inlet in Volusia County around 11:15 a.m. Monday, according to Aaron Jenkins, the deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety.
A 14-year-old boy was bitten on the leg by a shark while at a junior lifeguard camp, July 8, 2024, at Flagler Beach, Fla.
WFTV
The shark bit the boy on the right calf. The teen was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening lacerations, Jenkins said.
Witnesses said the shark was a blacktip, which is common in the area, Jenkins said.
A 14-year-old boy was bitten on the leg by a shark while at a junior lifeguard camp, July 8, 2024, at Flagler Beach, Fla.
WFTV
Two other people were attacked by sharks in Volusia County last week, Jenkins said.
On July 4, a 21-year-old man visiting from Ohio was bitten on the foot while playing football in knee-deep water, Jenkins said.
“Felt like my foot was being stabbed,” the victim, Connor Baker, said. “Tried as fast as I could to just get to shore.”
His injuries are not life-threatening, Jenkins said.
Then, on July 5, a 26-year-old man from Sarasota, Florida, was bitten on his foot while wading in an inner tube in about 5 feet of water, Jenkins said.
His injuries were also non-life-threatening, Jenkins said.
Click here for what to know about staying safe from sharks.
A recent shark attack at a junior lifeguard camp in Florida has left a 14-year-old boy injured and shaken. The incident occurred during a routine training session at the camp, which is located on the shores of a popular beach in the state.
According to witnesses, the boy was swimming near the shore when a shark suddenly appeared and attacked him. The lifeguards on duty quickly sprang into action, pulling the boy out of the water and administering first aid before he was rushed to the hospital.
The boy sustained serious injuries to his leg and arm, but is expected to make a full recovery. The incident has sparked concern among parents and camp organizers, who are now reevaluating their safety protocols and procedures to prevent future attacks.
Shark attacks are rare, but they do happen, especially in areas where sharks are known to frequent. Florida is home to a variety of shark species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great whites, all of which have been known to attack humans in the past.
Experts advise swimmers and beachgoers to be cautious when entering the water, especially during feeding times or in areas where sharks are known to congregate. They also recommend avoiding swimming alone, staying close to shore, and refraining from wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, which can attract sharks.
In the wake of this incident, the junior lifeguard camp has implemented new safety measures, including increased surveillance of the waters, additional lifeguards on duty, and mandatory shark safety training for all camp participants. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of all campers and prevent future shark attacks.
While shark attacks are rare, it is important for beachgoers to remain vigilant and take precautions when entering the water. By following safety guidelines and staying informed about potential risks, we can all enjoy our time at the beach without fear of encountering these majestic but potentially dangerous creatures.
