Florida authorities have issued a warning to beachgoers about the presence of sharks along the Gulf Coast after three individuals were seriously injured in attacks on Friday. Officials patrolling the western coastline are alerting the public to an increased shark presence in the Panhandle, which includes the 18 westernmost counties of the state, according to Local 10.
The authorities even temporarily closed several beaches to swimmers on Friday after a woman and two teenagers were injured in shark attacks in Walton County. The beaches reopened on Saturday, but with red flags (indicating high-risk conditions) and purple flags (signifying the presence of dangerous marine life) warning of the dangers. "Please swim carefully today, respect the Gulf, stay hydrated, and look after your loved ones," the Walton County Fire Department stated on social media.
"It’s extremely rare for two incidents involving three people to occur in one day," a spokesperson told the AP on Saturday. "The odds of this happening are astronomically low," the source emphasized.
The first attack occurred Friday afternoon when a woman was bitten by a shark near WaterSound Beach, the Walton County Sheriff's Office reported. The woman suffered severe injuries to her abdomen and arm, resulting in a partial arm amputation. Less than two hours later, firefighters were called to another beach approximately 4 miles east of the first attack after receiving multiple reports of a teenager injured by a shark. Two teenagers were waist-deep in water with a group of friends when they were attacked, according to the South Walton Fire District.
"When rescuers and sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they found that one of the girls had significant injuries to her upper leg and a hand," officials said. The other teenager had minor injuries to one of her feet.
There is no way to determine if it was the same shark or two different ones involved in Friday's attacks, but there are more sharks in the Gulf of Mexico this year compared to previous years, an expert noted.
According to experts, shark attacks are uncommon. Last year, there were 69 unprovoked bites worldwide, with 10 of them being fatal, as per the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida. This figure is higher than the recent average of six annual deaths.
Shark Safety and Awareness at Florida Beaches
Given the recent shark attacks, it’s important for beachgoers to stay informed and take precautions. Here are some common questions and answers related to shark safety and activity in Florida.
What should I do if I see a shark while swimming?
If you see a shark while swimming, remain calm and slowly make your way back to shore without splashing. Avoid sudden movements that might attract the shark’s attention.
Why are there more sharks in the Gulf of Mexico this year?
Experts believe various factors, including changes in water temperature and food availability, may contribute to the increased shark presence in the Gulf of Mexico.
How can I reduce the risk of a shark attack?
To reduce the risk of a shark attack, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay in groups, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry that can attract sharks. Additionally, heed local warnings and flag advisories.