By The opinion
Jun 10, 2024, 01:20 AM EDT
Firefighters from the South Walton District in Florida urged tourists to Florida beaches to be cautious when visiting, after the recent shark attacks, where Three people were injured.
Through social networks, Firefighters issued a message asking tourists “not to underestimate the open waters or marine life present. “As we move forward following Friday’s incidents, we continue to wish the best for the families and everyone involved, including the bystanders who selflessly provided aid,” officials said.
SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow and purple flags for moderate surf hazards and the presence of dangerous marine life on 6/9/24. 🌊🛟
We encourage beach patrons to be situationally aware in the water, swim near a lifeguard, stay hydrated, and look out for each other.
1/3 pic.twitter.com/vMmWbzbFsP
— South Walton Fire District (@swfdinfo) June 9, 2024
The attacks occurred last Friday, approximately six kilometers apart, in less than 90 minutes, on beaches near Walton County. Due to the proximity between the attacks, experts believe it could be a single shark. .
“We are 100% sure this was done by a shark. It is a very short distance away; most likely the same shark”said Corey Dobridnia, Public Information Officer for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the authorities, The first attack was on a 45-year-old woman, who suffered severe trauma to the pelvic area, She was flown to a local trauma center to receive treatment. Due to the severity of her injuries, her left arm was amputated. Currently, her health is delicate.
The second incident occurred minutes later near Inlet Beach, where two Young people between 15 and 17 years old who were near the shore were surprised by a shark. One of them had significant injuries to a leg and hand, who was taken to a trauma center in critical condition.
While the other young woman had minor injuries to her right foot, and is in stable condition, according to statements from the authorities.
Following the incidents, beach flags were changed to double red at the time to indicate that the water was closed to swimming.
In that scenario, Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson Jr. argued that; “Double red flags are now flying on the surrounding beaches. The Gulf is now closed to the public in Walton County in the area of the incident, we are encouraging beachgoers to be aware that lifeguards and beach agents may be attempting to keep people out of the water in the area. “immediate.”
According to Adkinson , the last shark attack in Walton, occurred in 2021; the first related death occurred in 2005.
The last two shark incidents in the area were reported in 2021 and 2005, according to the sheriff. Mackenzie McClintock, spokeswoman for the South Walton Fire District, said officials don’t know what type of shark bit the victims, but there are often sharks in this water.
Keep reading:
· Due to the sighting of a shark in the ocean, Huntington Beach authorities closed a section of Sunset Beach to the public
· Teenager lost part of a leg after shark attack in Florida Keys
· VIDEO: 11-year-old boy managed to escape a shark attack in Florida