NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Back-to-back shark bites at New Smyrna Beach over the holiday landed two men in the hospital.
Connor Baker, 21, traveled there for vacation with his girlfriend and her brother.
On July 4, they were at New Smyrna Beach, about knee-deep in the ocean playing football.
“All of a sudden it felt like my foot was getting stabbed on both sides my first instinct was to yank my foot out I was [kind of] in shock,” Baker said.
Baker made it over to his girlfriend’s brother, who got him out of the water.
Beachgoers began to crowd him after hearing what happened.
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A Volusia Beach Safety officer came over and wrapped Baker’s leg with a tourniquet before he was taken to the hospital.
Doctors told Baker there were lacerations on the top and bottom of his foot.
“I tore four tendons in my foot from the bite,” Baker said.
He never thought something like this would happen to him, but he is grateful that he didn’t lose his life.
Until he recovers though, Baker won’t be able to work or coach football.
“I would guess probably at least a month and a half to two months before I can even try to walk again,” Baker said.
A 26-year-old Sarasota man is also recovering.
Within 24 hours of Baker’s incident, the Sarasota man was also bitten at that beach.
Volusia Beach Safety said he was wading in an inner tube when a shark bit his foot. He is expected to be OK. At this point, officials have not released his name.
“It’s pretty crazy it was the same beach,” Baker said.
According to the Florida Museum, Florida had the most unprovoked shark bites in the U.S. last year.
Of the 36 unprovoked bites around the country that year, 16 were in Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission shared tips for how to reduce your odds of being bitten by a shark:
- Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore; this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating, a shark’s ability to smell blood is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing especially if there are signs of baitfish or feeding activity
- Use extra caution when waters are murky
- Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark’s attention.
- Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark’s attention.
- Do not allow pets in the water, their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
- Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
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