Shark Attacks Mar Fourth of July Festivities at Texas and Florida Beaches
Beachgoers Bitten by Sharks in Separate Incidents
Several people were bitten by sharks in separate attacks at Texas and Florida beaches on the Fourth of July, authorities said. In South Padre Island, Texas, four people were injured in an apparent shark attack while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 42 and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
South Padre Island Attack
The South Padre Island attack occurred around 11 am on Thursday, July 4th. According to Art Rodriguez, assistant city manager, at least one shark was involved in the incident, possibly a blacktip or bull shark. The victims were swimming in waist-deep water near the 4100 block of Gulf Boulevard when they were bitten.
Florida Attacks
In Florida, two people were bitten by sharks in separate incidents. One attack occurred in Volusia County, where an 8-year-old girl was bitten on the foot while swimming in the ocean near Daytona Beach. The other attack happened in St. Johns County, where a 45-year-old man was bitten on the leg while surfing. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Increased Shark Activity
Officials say that shark activity is typically higher during the summer months, when the water is warmer and baitfish are more abundant. Beachgoers are advised to take precautions to reduce their risk of being bitten by a shark, such as swimming in designated areas with lifeguards, avoiding swimming near large schools of fish, and staying out of the water at dawn and dusk when sharks are most active.
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