A 14-year-old boy was bitten by a shark Wednesday in Daytona Beach, Florida, local authorities said.
The teen, who was visiting from Missouri, was bitten on his left foot while standing in knee-deep water, according to the Volusia County Beach Ocean Rescue.
He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident marks the fourth shark bite reported in Volusia County just this month.
On Monday, another 14-year-old boy was bitten on the right calf during a junior lifeguard camp at Ponce Inlet. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening lacerations, according to Aaron Jenkins, the deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety.
Witnesses said the shark was a blacktip, which is common in the area, he said.
A 21-year-old man visiting from Ohio was bitten on the foot on July 4 while playing football in knee-deep water. He also received non-life-threatening injuries, Jenkins said.
“Felt like my foot was being stabbed,” the 21-year-old victim, Connor Baker, said. “Tried as fast as I could to just get to shore.”
The following day, on July 5, a 26-year-old man from Sarasota, Florida, was bitten on the foot while wading in an inner tube in about five feet of water. His injuries were also non-life-threatening, Jenkins said.
Florida has been experiencing a surge in shark attacks recently, with the most recent incident involving a 14-year-old victim. This marks the fourth shark attack in the state in just one month, raising concerns among beachgoers and officials alike.
The attack took place at New Smyrna Beach, a popular spot for surfers and swimmers on Florida’s east coast. The teenager was bitten on the foot while surfing, and was able to make it back to shore where he received medical attention. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the waters off Florida’s coast.
Experts believe that the recent increase in shark attacks may be due to a variety of factors, including warmer water temperatures and an abundance of prey in the area. Sharks are known to be more active during the summer months, when water temperatures are higher and more people are out enjoying the beach.
Despite the recent spate of attacks, experts stress that the risk of being bitten by a shark remains extremely low. In fact, the chances of being attacked by a shark are about 1 in 11.5 million, according to the International Shark Attack File. However, it is important for beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a shark.
Some tips for staying safe in the water include avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active, and staying away from areas where fish are being cleaned or baited. It is also important to swim in groups and avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, which can attract sharks.
In the event of a shark sighting or attack, it is important to remain calm and exit the water as quickly and calmly as possible. If bitten, experts recommend applying pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding and seeking medical attention immediately.
While shark attacks are rare, they can be a frightening experience for those involved. By taking precautions and being aware of the risks, beachgoers can enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches while minimizing their chances of encountering a shark.
