New Smyrna Beach, FL - A man was bitten by a shark on Monday in Volusia County, the 1st shark bite of 2017. It happened at Beachway in New Smyrna Beach.
According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, a little before 10 AM, Monday, March 27, a 58-year-old man from Stuart, FL was surfing about 30-40 yards out when he was bitten on the foot. He did not see the shark, who may have mistaken his foot for a fish. The incident was a typical bite and release.
"New Smyrna is probably one of the best surfing areas on the east coast, surfers flock to that area, combined with a lot of bait fish near the jetty - it's a perfect haven for shark bites," said Tammy Marris, Senior Captain and Public Information Officer for Volusia County Beach Safety Rescue.
The man was able to get out of the water on his own. He was not transported, and was treated on scene for minor injuries.
"Always swim near a lifeguard. If you are going in the water and you see a lot of bait fish or birds feeding on fish in the water, you probably should leave that area, temporarily," said Marris. "In this area, we average about 7-10 shark bites a year."
Marris advises anyone who experiences a shark bite to exit the water and see what type of medical attention is needed. Flag down a lifeguard or call 911 for an emergency.
Photo courtesy of VolusiaCounty.org.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
