A 14-year-old boy was bitten by a shark on Monday morning while participating in a lifeguard training camp on a Florida beach.
The shark attacked Dempsey Manhart during a lifeguard training exercise at Ponce Inlet. As he dived into the water during a drill, the shark bit him.
According to NBC News, the teenager’s parents took him to the hospital where he received stitches. Although he required 17 stitches for the bite on his calf, his injuries are not life-threatening.
In an interview with FOX 35 News, Dempsey recounted the incident, saying, "I hit it with my hands, then I stood up, and it turned and ended up beneath my legs. I think it bit me when it got tangled up in my feet."
Despite the traumatic experience, the teenager remains eager to return to the lifeguard training camp, although he must wait before getting back into the water. "I think it’s very uncommon for something like this to happen. And if it happened once, it’s unlikely to happen again. So, I don’t think there’s anything to be afraid of," he stated.
This incident comes just days after several other shark attacks were reported on Florida beaches.
In late June, a shark swam up to the shore of South Beach in Miami Beach, prompting swimmers to quickly exit the water and watch the shark from the safety of the sand.
Another incident involved a Cuban resident of Florida who experienced a frightening moment when a bull shark snatched a fish he had just caught during a spearfishing trip, leaving only the head.
In early July, Florida authorities confirmed that a shark had attacked a man at New Smyrna Beach, marking the second bite in 24 hours at the same beach.
On the morning of July 4th, a holiday in the United States, two people were bitten by a shark in the tourist area of South Padre Island, near the city of Brownsville, Texas.
Recent Shark Attacks in Florida and Texas
Given the recent spike in shark attacks in Florida and Texas, many people have questions about shark behavior and safety measures. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why are shark attacks increasing in Florida?
Shark attacks can increase due to various factors including warmer water temperatures, increased human activity in the water, and migration patterns of sharks following their prey.
What should you do if you see a shark while swimming?
If you see a shark while swimming, remain calm and slowly back away towards the shore. Avoid making sudden movements and try not to splash around, as this can attract the shark.
Are certain beaches more prone to shark attacks?
Yes, some beaches are more prone to shark attacks due to factors like water depth, temperature, and the presence of fish that sharks prey on. Beaches with high fishing activity or those near sandbars tend to have more shark sightings.