A man from Georgia is recovering from a shark bite on his left foot and ankle after an encounter in the waters off Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Saturday near the Dunlawton Beach Approach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials.
The victim, identified as Jacorey High, 22, of Henry County, Georgia, was wading in waist-deep water with his pregnant fiancée when a shark, estimated to be about 4 feet long, attacked.
High told FOX 5 Atlanta that his immediate concern was getting his fiancée to safety. He described the shark as gray on top and roughly as tall as the distance from his waist to his feet.
"I realized right away it was a shark because of the way it bit down on my foot, but I was more worried about getting my fiancée out of the water," High said. He reported that the shark continued to pursue him as he attempted to flee, trying to bite his arm and then his other leg.
Beach safety personnel treated High at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. High underwent surgery for his foot, and he anticipates a recovery period of approximately three months.
"I didn't really feel it until I got to the hospital, when they started giving me medicine for it," High stated, expressing hope that the injury would not significantly impact his ability to return to work.
Experts note that while shark bites are uncommon, even during the busy summer beach season, beachgoers should remain aware of their surroundings. Marine biologist Mike Heithaus advised beachgoers to pay attention to local conditions and heed lifeguard instructions. He recommended avoiding murky waters, areas with visible schools of fish, and spots where people are actively fishing.
The incident occurred just hours before the annual Shark Week programming began on the Discovery Channel.