Shark Attacks in Volusia County, Florida

A shark bit a surfer July 5^th as he was riding the waves off of New Smyrna Beach. According to the Volusia County Beach Patrol, this was the fifth shark attack this season.

The surfer was bit in the foot, but not seriously injured. He was taken to Bert Fish Medical Center and treated.

The majority of documented shark attacks in New Smyrna are small in comparison to shark attacks elsewhere. The variety of reef sharks that frequent New Smyrna's waters pale in comparison to the great white out in California or near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where people's arms and legs have been severed. But once bitten by a shark, even if only on the foot, one can go into shock while out on the water, and if not able to get back to shore, the trail of blood could attract hungry sharks in search of a good meal.

The waters in Volusia County are especially prone to bait fish, for there are mainly inlets and harbors, where bait fish thrive close to shore, and it is the shark's natural instinct to search for food in the areas where the bait fish are. Many types of sharks have been spotted directly off shore in New Smyrna, and close to the Ponce Inlet, but they don't always attack. A common shark found in the water is the blacktip shark, distinguishable by the black tip and coloring along the edge of the fin. Surfers tend to get into trouble when they unknowingly surf right into a feeding frenzy, where the sharks are grouped around schools of baitfish swimming from inlets to shallow murky water ocean areas.

The hot summer months bring warmer waters, and with that more marine life, due to mating season and shift in climate change. Locals are generally not afraid to go in the water; many balk at the notion of New Smyrna, surf capitol of the world, as shark central. Locals tend to agree that the media coverage has blown the shark attack theory out of proportion.

Locals know precisely how to take care of a shark if it attacks. "Just punch it in the nose," is the advise given to most tourists. Locals and fishermen are regulars at the beach. Most will agree when asked, that the shark attacking a human is rare, but it is still wise to avoid hot spots. Simple observation is all that is needed, in most cases.

Swimmers, especially surfers, should be aware of the waters around them. Don't surf or swim where you see large groups of birds. That may be a location where the sharks are looking for food. Avoiding the six foot sharks common to New Smyrna Beach is easily accomplished, just swim away from the inlets, murky water areas, and the areas where you see the birds diving for bait fish. That's probably shark territory, so there is no need to swim out that far! Staying closer to shore and away from the piers can help keep people safe and relaxed while enjoying the beautiful beaches that Volusia County has to offer.