Shark Attacks Spike in Florida
Authorities Warn of Dangers, Close Beaches
Half of Florida's Shark Attacks in 2023 Occurred in One County
The risk of being bitten by a shark is extremely low, but Florida tops the global charts for the number of shark attacks. Authorities are warning of increased shark activity and have closed several beaches along the Gulf Coast after a series of attacks.
On Wednesday, a woman was injured by a shark while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Navarre Beach. The woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This attack comes just days after a 10-year-old boy was bitten by a shark while surfing in Cocoa Beach. The boy was also taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In 2023, there have been 10 shark attacks in Florida, five of which occurred in Volusia County. This is more than half of the total number of shark attacks in the state for the year.
Authorities are using boats to patrol the ocean and warning beachgoers to stay out of the water. Several beaches have been closed, including Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, and Panama City Beach.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is advising beachgoers to take the following precautions:
- Swim only in designated areas
- Avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to congregate
- Do not swim alone
- Do not swim at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or clothing that could attract sharks
If you see a shark, do not panic. Stay calm and swim slowly towards shore. Do not make sudden movements or splash in the water.
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