A 14-year-old boy was bitten on the left foot by a shark while swimming in shallow waters at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. This incident occurred on July 10 and marks the fourth shark attack reported in a week in Volusia County. The Beach Safety Department transported the teenager to a hospital. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The species of the shark involved in this attack has yet to be identified. The boy is from Missouri and was visiting Florida when the bite occurred.
Recent Shark Attacks in Volusia County
The first recent attack took place on July 4 at New Smyrna Beach. A 21-year-old man from Ohio was playing football in shallow waters when a shark bit his foot. He was taken to the hospital for surgery, which involved repairing several tendons. He is expected to recover fully within six to eight weeks.
The following day, at the same beach, a 26-year-old man from Sarasota was bitten on the left foot while enjoying a float in five feet of water. He was also taken to the hospital, and his injuries were not life-threatening.
On July 8, a 14-year-old participating in a lifeguard camp at Ponce Inlet was bitten on the calf. Initially, he thought he had collided with another person but required 14 stitches.
According to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Volusia County has recorded more shark attacks than any other region in the world, with 351 unprovoked attacks since 1882. Globally, the United States leads in the number of shark bites, with 36 incidents reported last year, two of which were fatal. Australia ranks second with 15 bites, four of them fatal.
Authorities recommend swimmers to calmly exit the water if they see a shark or large schools of fish near the shore, as this could indicate the presence of a predator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Attacks in Volusia County
Given the recent increase in shark attacks in Volusia County, many people have questions about safety and prevention. Here are some common inquiries and their answers.
How many shark attacks have been reported in Volusia County this year?
As of now, there have been four shark attacks reported in Volusia County within the past week.
What should I do if I see a shark while swimming?
Authorities advise swimmers to calmly exit the water if they see a shark or large schools of fish, as this could indicate a predator's presence.
Are shark bites common in Volusia County?
Yes, Volusia County has recorded more shark attacks than any other region globally, with 351 unprovoked attacks since 1882.