A man from Georgia is recovering after a shark bite to his left foot and ankle while wading in waist-deep water at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday, just ahead of the annual Shark Week programming.
Jacorey High, in his early 20s, was in the water with his pregnant fiancée when the shark, estimated to be about 4 feet long, attacked his foot and ankle. Volusia County Beach Safety officials confirmed the incident and stated that High was treated on scene before being transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. High identified the shark as gray on top and described its size in relation to his own height.
High told FOX 5 Atlanta that his immediate concern was getting his fiancée to safety. "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," he said. He described further encounters with the shark as he attempted to reach shore, stating it tried to bite his arm and then his other leg.
After reaching the shore, High realized the extent of his injuries, which he noted he did not fully feel until he received medical treatment at the hospital. Doctors performed surgery on his foot, and High anticipates a recovery period of approximately three months. He expressed hope that the surgery would not permanently affect his foot's functionality, allowing him to return to work.
Marine biologists have noted that while shark bites are rare, beachgoers should remain aware of local conditions and heed lifeguard warnings. Experts advise avoiding murky waters, areas with visible schools of fish, and locations where people are actively fishing to minimize the risk of encountering sharks.