Sharks Attack Teen, Man At FL Beaches: Reports

PONCE INLET, FL — A 14-year-old boy was attacked by a shark Monday in Volusia County three days after a 26-year-old man was bitten by a shark at New Smyrna Beach, media reports say.

The teenage boy from Flagler County was bitten by a shark around 11 a.m. at Ponce Inlet, WESH 2 reported, citing beach safety officials.

After the boy ran into the water, he could have scared the shark, which possibly led to the shark biting the boy's calf, the news outlet reported. He survived non-threatening injuries, the outlet reported.

RELATED: Tourist Injured In Shark Attack At South Florida Beach, Reports Say

The boy was the third person in a series of recent shark attacks. On Friday, a shark attacked a man who was in an inner tube about 5 feet out in water at New Smyrna Beach, WFLA reported.

The man was bitten on his left foot and survived non-threatening injuries, the news outlet reported.

A day prior, an Ohio man playing football in the water at New Smyrna was attacked by a shark in his right foot, reports previously said. The man was reportedly taken to a hospital.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Sunshine State is home to both harvestable and prohibited sharks.

The commission offered the following tips for minimizing the odds of shark bites:

• Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
• Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
• Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
• Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating-a shark's ability to smell blood is acute.
• Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
• Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing-especially if there are signs of baitfishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on baitfishes, are good indicators of such activity.
• While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.
• Use extra caution when waters are murky.
• Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
• Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark's attention.
• Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
• Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs-these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
• Never harass a shark.