Possible shark attack sends 10-year-old girl to the hospital

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — A young girl is recovering after she was reportedly bitten by a shark while swimming.

St. Johns Co. Fire Rescue said a 10-year-old girl may have been bitten by a shark in St. Augustine Beach.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday while she was swimming in the ocean. The little girl only had minor injuries but she was taken to Flagler hospital just in case.

Stephanie Geiger said she used to surf and she brings her daughter to the beach to swim every chance they get. As a former surfer she’s seen sharks before and was saddened to learn of the young girl possibly being bitten by one, but this is the reason she’s urging others to take precaution.

“That’s pretty scary and I would say with young children just to stay really close by and maybe not go out at certain times of the day when we know there’s more feeding times for shark,” Geiger said.

Research from UNF’s Florida Museum shows from 2007 through 2016 there were 243 shark attacks. Only one was deadly.

Jason Mongooddeacon is another beachgoer who said the incident with the 10-year-old won’t stop him from getting in the water but it will make him more aware of what’s in the water.

“I’m not really concerned, I’m pretty aware. I think it’s very important to have fun in the water but also be aware of your surroundings,” Mongooddeacon said.

Experts believe people should also watch what time they swim because sharks are known to be more active at dusk and dawn.

Cox Media Group