A 7-year-old is recovering after being bitten by a shark in Florida.
The boy, only identified as Jacob, was playing off Homestead Bayfront Park in Homestead June 22.
Jacob was in the shallows when a shark grabbed his right lower leg. He alerted his mother who quickly came to bleeding boys aid.
Lifeguards administered first-aid and Jacob was taken to the hospital. Doctors closed the three lacerations using a total of 19 stitches. Ethel, Jacob’s mother, said her son was strong and did not shed a tear during the event.
While the family does not want to share many personal details, Ethel did want to warn other families about the risk of marine creatures in the area. Bayfront Park has a protected area for swimming and it is assumed Jacob was in that location when he was bitten.
“I just don’t want anyone to have a false sense of security that they think because it’s closed off that they’re safe there,” she told WSVN.
Ethel believes a small bull shark may have been responsible for the attack. However, the wounds may be too small for a bull shark to make.
Regardless of the species, everyone who enters the water should pay attention to their surroundings.
To minimize the chance of shark bite, ocean users should avoid using the water at dusk and dawn.
Always use area watched by lifeguards, avoid wearing shiny or sparkling jewelry and watch out for jumping bait fish.
If a shark is spotted, quickly and calmly exit the water.
The approximate location of the incident has been marked on the 2020 Shark Attack Map.
