Shark attacks lead to beach closures nationwide

Numerous shark attacks led to the closure of beaches in Florida and California.

Michael Adkinson Jr., sheriff of Florida’s Walton County, reported that his office was aware of two shark encounters on Friday alone. In one case, a woman was attacked and sought medical attention. The other case involved a teenager later in the day.

The office then announced that the waters throughout the county were closed to the public. Walton County has about 26 miles of beach. Sheriff’s officials monitored the nearby ocean by boat on Saturday.

“This morning, officers spotted a 14-foot hammerhead shark from the boat east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach – which is NOT unusual,” the office wrote on Facebook. “We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should use caution when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Del Mar Beach in California has reopened after a man was attacked by a shark earlier this week. Although he was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries to his arm and upper body, the beach remained closed for about 48 hours afterward.

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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, swimmers can prevent shark attacks by staying in a group, staying close to shore, and not attracting sharks with open bleeding or shiny jewelry. Excessive splashing and erratic movements only attract the attention of sharks.

Last year, 36 unprovoked shark bites were reported in the United States, two of which were fatal, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. Florida reported 16 attacks and California reported two, one of which was fatal.