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A 14-year-old boy was bitten by a shark during a junior lifeguard training camp in Volusia County, Florida, on Monday.
Why it matters: This incident marks the fourth shark bite in the area within just six days, highlighting the need for beachgoers to remain vigilant and cautious while enjoying the water.
The details:
- Dempsey Manhart was diving into the water when he accidentally landed on a shark and was bitten on his right calf.
- Witnesses reported that the shark was between four to five feet in length, likely a Black Tip shark, which is common in the area.
- Manhart received 17 stitches for his non-life-threatening lacerations and was treated at the hospital.
- Despite the frightening encounter, Manhart remains undeterred and plans to continue swimming, stating, “If it’s happened once, I doubt it’s going to happen again. So, I don’t think there’s really anything to be scared of.”
What they’re saying:
- “I dove onto it, and I hit the shark. I hit it with my hands, and then I stood up, and it spun around and was like underneath my legs. And I think it bit me then, when it was wrapped around my feet,” Manhart recounted.
- “When it came under my feet, I was like hitting it, and then it swam away,” he added.
The background: Volusia County, known as the “shark capital of the world,” has recorded over 350 shark attacks since 1882, including 16 incidents in 2023 alone.
What’s next: As summer continues, authorities remind beachgoers to exercise caution in the water and remain aware of their surroundings to minimize the risk of shark encounters.
Full story
A 14-year-old boy was bitten by a shark while attending a junior lifeguard training camp in Volusia County, Florida on Monday. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. at Ponce Inlet. Dempsey Manhart, from Flagler County, was diving into the water during the training when he landed on a shark and was bitten on his right calf.
Witnesses reported that Manhart initially mistook the shark for another person. “I dove onto it, and I hit the shark,” Manhart said. “I hit it with my hands, and then I stood up, and it spun around and was like underneath my legs.
And I think it bit me then, when it was wrapped around my feet.”
Local officials estimated the shark to be between four to five feet in length. Manhart was treated on the scene for non-life-threatening lacerations and later received 17 stitches at the hospital.
Florida teen bitten during lifeguard training
Despite the frightening encounter, Manhart remains undeterred and plans to continue swimming. “If it’s happened once, I doubt it’s going to happen again. So, I don’t think there’s really anything to be scared of,” he stated.
The Volusia County Junior Lifeguard Program, established in 1990, aims to educate participants in water safety, lifesaving techniques, and beach ecology. The program is dedicated to providing the best instruction possible to prepare participants to become confident and efficient lifeguards. This incident marks the fourth reported shark bite in the area in just six days.
Florida, specifically Volusia County, is known as the shark capital of the world, with over 350 shark attacks recorded since 1882, including 16 incidents in 2023. As summer continues, authorities are reminding beachgoers to exercise caution in the water and be aware of their surroundings.
- NPR.”Shark attacks are incredibly rare. But if you do encounter a shark, here’s what to do”.
- FoxNews.”Shark bites another teen in Florida; 4th incident in 6 days”.
- People.”14-Year-Old Boy Dives into the Water – and Gets Bitten After Landing on a Shark”.