“I can’t imagine going back into the water”: Victim describes shark attack on New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida. – Two men were hospitalized after sustaining two consecutive shark bites on New Smyrna Beach over the holidays.

Connor Baker, 21, traveled there on vacation with his girlfriend and her brother.

On the 4th of July They were in New Smyrna Beachabout knee-deep in the sea and playing football.

“All of a sudden it felt like my foot was being stabbed on both sides. My first instinct was to rip my foot out. I was (kind of) in shock,” Baker said.

Baker made it to his girlfriend’s brother, who pulled him out of the water.

After the beachgoers heard what had happened, they began to crowd around him.

(EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (free) | PINIT! Share your photos)

A Volusia Beach security guard came by and wrapped Baker’s leg with a tourniquet before he was taken to the hospital.

Doctors told Baker that he had cuts on the top and bottom of his foot.

“The bite tore four tendons in my foot,” Baker said.

He never thought something like this could happen to him, but he is grateful that he did not lose his life.

However, until he recovers, Baker cannot work or coach football.

“I estimate it will probably be at least a month and a half to two months before I can even attempt to walk again,” Baker said.

A 26-year-old man from Sarasota is also on the road to recovery.

Within 24 hours of Baker’s incident, the Sarasota man was also bitten on this beach.

According to Volusia Beach Safety, he was wading in a dinghy when a shark bit him on the foot. He is expected to recover. His name has not yet been released.

“It’s pretty crazy that it was the same beach,” Baker said.

According to the Florida Museum, Florida had the most unprovoked shark bites in the United States last year.

Of the 36 unprovoked bites nationwide this year, 16 occurred in Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission provided tips for How to reduce your chances being bitten by a shark:

• Always stay in a group as sharks are more likely to bite individual animals.

• Do not move too far from the shore. This will isolate the person and put them far from any help.

• Avoid being in the water after dark

• Do not enter the water if you are bleeding from an open wound or if you are on your period, as sharks have a strong ability to smell blood.

• Wearing shiny jewelry is not recommended. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the shine of fish scales.

• Avoid waters with known runoff or sewage, as well as waters used for fishing, especially if there are signs of baitfish or feeding activity.

• Be especially careful if the water is cloudy

• Remember that sharks are particularly sensitive to contrast. Uneven tans and brightly colored clothing can attract a shark’s attention.

• Avoid excessive splashing as this may attract the attention of a shark.

• Do not allow pets into the water, as their erratic movements could attract the attention of a shark.

• Only swim in areas patrolled by lifeguards.

• Do not enter the water if you know sharks are present and leave the water if you see sharks.

The headlines of the day in a few minutes with Your Florida daily newspaper: