3 people injured in separate shark attacks on Florida’s Gulf Coast – KIRO 7 News Seattle

Authorities temporarily closed some beaches on Friday, according to the Associated Press. Authorities plan to monitor conditions throughout the weekend and maintain safety measures.

The South Walton Fire District said lifeguards would fly red and purple flags on Saturday “out of an abundance of caution” due to Friday’s attacks.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office also announced the use of red and purple flags. “Purple flags indicate the presence of dangerous marine life, and single red flags indicate a high level of danger.”

The first attack on Friday occurred at WaterSound Beach, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said, according to the AP. A woman was bitten by a shark there. She suffered life-threatening injuries to her hip and left forearm. She was flown to a trauma center for treatment.

Two teenage girls were in about waist-deep water when they were attacked by a shark, the South Walton Fire District said, according to AP. One of the girls was injured in her thigh and hand. The other had minor injuries to her feet.

“We advise beachgoers that lifeguards and beach officials may attempt to keep people in the immediate area out of the water,” the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.