As Central Florida swelters under intense heat, beachgoers have made their way to New Smyrna Beach to escape the rising temperatures. However, recent shark activity has prompted many to adopt heightened safety measures while enjoying the ocean.
On Friday, an 18-year-old surfer was bitten on the foot by a shark while surfing near Beach Community Park, where a summer surfing camp was taking place. He was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the incident, Saturday saw a robust turnout at the beach, with visitors remaining vigilant about their safety in the water.
Beachgoers expressed their awareness, emphasizing the importance of staying alert. “There’s been a lot of shark attacks. You just got to be careful, make sure you’re looking at the water,” noted Tiffany S., while Pamela G. encouraged swimmers to heed warning flags indicating water conditions.
Florida has led the nation in unprovoked shark bites, with 14 reported last year, eight of which occurred in Volusia County, according to the International Shark Attack File’s 2024 report. Despite this alarming statistic, the report also states that the incidence of unprovoked bites worldwide remains relatively low.
A Volusia County spokesperson indicated that the Friday incident marked the fourth shark bite in the area for 2025. However, many beachgoers, like Adam Lopez, pointed out that shark-related injuries are minuscule compared to car accidents, emphasizing the manageable risks.
Brian Thompson, a regular beach visitor, reminded others that “sharks are way more scared of you than you are of them.”
In a positive development, a potential nationwide alert system called Lulu’s Law aims to notify individuals in proximity to reported shark bites. This proposal received approval from the U.S. Senate and is now moving forward in the House, which would increase public safety and awareness.
Despite the spotlight on shark incidents, residents and visitors continue to cherish their beach experiences, maintaining that the joy of the ocean surpasses the fears associated with its inhabitants.