14-Year-Old Bitten by Shark in Florida, The Fourth Incident in a Month

PONCE INLET, Fla. – A 14-year-old boy from Flagler County was bitten by a shark at Ponce Inlet on Monday, July 8, while attending a Junior Lifeguard Camp. This incident marks the fourth shark bite in Florida within the past month, raising concerns among beachgoers and local authorities.

According to Volusia County Beach Safety, the incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. as the teen entered the water just north of the New Smyrna Beach Jetty. Witnesses reported that the boy was diving into the water when he inadvertently landed on a 4-to-5-foot-long blacktip shark, which then bit his calf. The boy was treated on the scene for non-life-threatening injuries before being transported to a local hospital for further care.

This shark bite is the third in less than a week in Volusia County. On July 4, a 21-year-old man from Ohio was bitten while playing football in knee-deep water at New Smyrna Beach. The following day, a 26-year-old man from Sarasota was bitten while wading in an inner tube in approximately five feet of water, also at New Smyrna Beach. Both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at nearby hospitals.

The recent surge in shark bites has not gone unnoticed. Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Interim Director Tamra Malphurs noted that while shark bites are relatively rare, the county has seen an unusual number of incidents this summer. "We are always vigilant, but this recent cluster of bites is certainly concerning," Malphurs said.

The fourth incident involved a 14-year-old boy from Missouri, who was bitten while vacationing in Daytona Beach Shores. This attack, which occurred earlier in the month, also resulted in non-life-threatening injuries.

Experts suggest that the increase in shark bites may be due to a combination of factors, including warmer water temperatures, which attract both sharks and their prey closer to shore, and the higher number of people in the water during the summer months. George Burgess, director emeritus of the Florida Program for Shark Research, explained that "shark bites are often a case of mistaken identity, where the shark confuses a human for its natural prey."

Despite the recent incidents, Malphurs emphasized that lifeguards are more concerned about rip currents, which are Florida's leading cause of weather-related fatalities. "Since last week, our lifeguards have rescued about 500 people from rip currents and strong surf," she said. "We will continue to monitor the waters closely and make announcements if we see a large number of sharks in the area."

Beachgoers are advised to take precautions to minimize the risk of shark bites. Experts recommend staying out of murky water, avoiding wearing shiny jewelry that can attract sharks, and steering clear of areas where birds are diving, as this often indicates the presence of bait fish, which can attract sharks.

Despite the heightened awareness and recent incidents, Malphurs reassured the public that shark attacks are still relatively rare. "While we have seen an uptick in bites, it's important to remember that the chances of being bitten by a shark are still very low," she said. "We encourage everyone to enjoy the beach but to do so with caution and awareness."

As the summer continues, Volusia County Beach Safety will remain vigilant, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Florida beaches safely.