I’m married to a surfer and we both grew up on the gulf. We have taught our boys respect for the water and the creatures in it. With that being said, shark attacks happen. I was at the beach with our sons and sadly a woman was attacked by a shark. Her injuries were very serious and I’m almost certain she lost her hand and her torso was bit. The emergency vehicles arrived quickly and the response was swift. We saw a few sharks on our beach walk this morning and often admire them in passing. Other than being aware, we just have to remember we are in their territory when we swim. Sending this woman and her family positive, healing vibes!
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Replies
36
SWGB
I'm not victim blaming only asking.
Did her bathing suit have sequins or other sparkly material? I know little girls love that kind of stuff and it's fine in a pool or lake, but sharks will see the sparkle as bait fish and go for it.
We've never let our nieces wear a bathing suit with anything shiny or sparkly, nor do we allow them in the water near dawn or dusk and last but not least; if we eat at the beach we wash our hands before we get back in the water to avoid sending out scent trails of food.
When they both hit puberty their mother explained they wouldn't be able to get in the water for 3-5 days a month and we actually planned visits around that.
Did her bathing suit have sequins or other sparkly material? I know little girls love that kind of stuff and it's fine in a pool or lake, but sharks will see the sparkle as bait fish and go for it.
We've never let our nieces wear a bathing suit with anything shiny or sparkly, nor do we allow them in the water near dawn or dusk and last but not least; if we eat at the beach we wash our hands before we get back in the water to avoid sending out scent trails of food.
When they both hit puberty their mother explained they wouldn't be able to get in the water for 3-5 days a month and we actually planned visits around that.
Beach Lover
Second attack at Inlet.
Beach Lover
Not much information except for the headline?
UPDATE: As of 3:00 pm Walton County Sheriff’s Office and South Walton Fire District are responding to a second shark incident following multiple reports involving a teenager.
Officials are responding to the area of Shoreline Drive. The water is now closed to the public in Walton County and Bay County.
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – One person was reportedly injured after a shark incident near Watersound in Walton County on Friday.
Just after 1:15 p.m., Walton County Fire and Rescue and South Walton Fire District (SWFD) responded to a report of a woman who was injured by a shark near Watersound Way and Coopersmith Lane, according to Walton County’s Facebook page.
The person has been identified as a 40-year-old woman and she has lost her left hand.
Double red flags are now flying on the beaches in the surrounding area. The Gulf is now closed to the public in Walton County in the localized area of the incident.
UPDATE: As of 3:00 pm Walton County Sheriff’s Office and South Walton Fire District are responding to a second shark incident following multiple reports involving a teenager.
Officials are responding to the area of Shoreline Drive. The water is now closed to the public in Walton County and Bay County.
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – One person was reportedly injured after a shark incident near Watersound in Walton County on Friday.
Just after 1:15 p.m., Walton County Fire and Rescue and South Walton Fire District (SWFD) responded to a report of a woman who was injured by a shark near Watersound Way and Coopersmith Lane, according to Walton County’s Facebook page.
The person has been identified as a 40-year-old woman and she has lost her left hand.
Double red flags are now flying on the beaches in the surrounding area. The Gulf is now closed to the public in Walton County in the localized area of the incident.
Edited
Beach CrabAuthor
We were still down at the beach after we witnessed the first one, then the sirens started all over again as the same responders were heading east of us to a second attack. So strange.
SoWal Insider
Beach Lover
I'm not victim blaming only asking.I'm a female with lots of experience both as a female and as a scuba diver. Staying out of the water during one's period is bunk, just nonsense. It's about as useful as staying out of a pool for 30 minutes after you've eaten something.
Did her bathing suit have sequins or other sparkly material? I know little girls love that kind of stuff and it's fine in a pool or lake, but sharks will see the sparkle as bait fish and go for it.
We've never let our nieces wear a bathing suit with anything shiny or sparkly, nor do we allow them in the water near dawn or dusk and last but not least; if we eat at the beach we wash our hands before we get back in the water to avoid sending out scent trails of food.
When they both hit puberty their mother explained they wouldn't be able to get in the water for 3-5 days a month and we actually planned visits around that.
Beach Comber
To everyone reading this, let's be clear it was was Seagrove and Seaside where the shark attacks were, they did not occur in Inlet Beach, as falsely reported in the related news article.
Beach Fanatic
Walton County beaches were closed Friday afternoon due to two shark attacks that injured three people, two of them critically.
According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Walton County Fire Rescue and South Walton Fire District responded to a report that a woman was injured by a shark near Watersound Way and Coopersmith Lane just after 1:15 p.m. Friday.
The South Walton Fire District transported the victim to a local medical facility. At a 5 p.m. news conference, officials said the woman, age 45, lost her lower left arm and suffered injuries to her midsection. She was hospitalized in critical condition.
They said she was swimming past the first sandbar when she was injured.
Watch the press conference about the shark attacks here.
As for the second attack: About 2:56 p.m., the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the South Walton Fire District responded to an area near Inlet Beach. According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, two people were injured.
At the press conference, officials said the victims were ages 15 to 17. They were in waist-deep water just past the first sandbar, about 4 miles from the site of the first attack. One victim was hospitalized in critical condition and one in stable condition.
Double-red flags are now flying on beaches in the surrounding area, meaning the Gulf of Mexico waters are closed. Those found violating the warning will be fined $500.
Because of this, all Walton County beaches will be closed for the rest of the day Friday.
Also, neighboring Bay County closed its beaches.
According to trackingsharks.com, the incidents in Walton County are the first three shark-related incidents in Florida in 2024.
According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Walton County Fire Rescue and South Walton Fire District responded to a report that a woman was injured by a shark near Watersound Way and Coopersmith Lane just after 1:15 p.m. Friday.
The South Walton Fire District transported the victim to a local medical facility. At a 5 p.m. news conference, officials said the woman, age 45, lost her lower left arm and suffered injuries to her midsection. She was hospitalized in critical condition.
They said she was swimming past the first sandbar when she was injured.
Watch the press conference about the shark attacks here.
As for the second attack: About 2:56 p.m., the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the South Walton Fire District responded to an area near Inlet Beach. According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, two people were injured.
At the press conference, officials said the victims were ages 15 to 17. They were in waist-deep water just past the first sandbar, about 4 miles from the site of the first attack. One victim was hospitalized in critical condition and one in stable condition.
Double-red flags are now flying on beaches in the surrounding area, meaning the Gulf of Mexico waters are closed. Those found violating the warning will be fined $500.
Because of this, all Walton County beaches will be closed for the rest of the day Friday.
Also, neighboring Bay County closed its beaches.
According to trackingsharks.com, the incidents in Walton County are the first three shark-related incidents in Florida in 2024.
Beach CrabAuthor
We were at Watersound Beach 100 yards from
where the first attack occurred. Sadly, we witnessed the entire thing. The second attack on the two teenagers was further east in Seacrest Beach. We live in Seacrest and our address is Inlet Beach as is our zipcode, it’s confusing, but that is how these little beach towns work. Similar to Grayton Beach being considered in Santa Rosa Beach. Neither of the attacks were in Seagrove or Seaside.
where the first attack occurred. Sadly, we witnessed the entire thing. The second attack on the two teenagers was further east in Seacrest Beach. We live in Seacrest and our address is Inlet Beach as is our zipcode, it’s confusing, but that is how these little beach towns work. Similar to Grayton Beach being considered in Santa Rosa Beach. Neither of the attacks were in Seagrove or Seaside.
SoWal Insider
Anyone have any updates on the shark attack victims today, especially the woman that lost the lower part of her arm. Hope she survives. And the two teenage girls also.
SoWal Guide
#121
Walton County Sheriff's Office
Saturday June 8
The Walton County Sheriff's Office Beach Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and the beaches Saturday following Friday's incidents involving sharks in Walton County.
Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat - which is NOT uncommon.
We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should be cautious when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Red and purple flags are flying in Walton County out of an abundance of caution.
We're here if you need us.
Saturday June 8
The Walton County Sheriff's Office Beach Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and the beaches Saturday following Friday's incidents involving sharks in Walton County.
Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead east of South County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat - which is NOT uncommon.
We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and beachgoers should be cautious when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Red and purple flags are flying in Walton County out of an abundance of caution.
We're here if you need us.
Beach Fanatic
Don't go past the sandbars? Sometimes, the sandbars look too far out, anyway. I also don't like big waves, even if it is 'just' a yellow flag. I almost prefer bringing my chair up to the water and enjoying it that way. So sorry that this has happened. Have heard too many sad vacation stories. Thinking of those hurt and their families. We will be back again to Seaside in September and will be even more cautious than usual. Ellen
Beach Fanatic
In a joint press conference on Friday afternoon, South Walton Fire Control District Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson provided details about two separate shark attacks that occurred in Walton County, Florida, earlier today.
The incidents, which took place within four miles from each other, have left multiple victims with severe injuries.
The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. near Founder’s Lane in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old female, who was swimming just past the first sandbar with her husband, suffered significant trauma to her midsection, pelvic area, and the amputation of her left lower arm.
Lifeguards and deputies immediately responded, providing care before transferring the patient to firefighter paramedics. She was then transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
The second incident, reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, involved two female victims between the ages of 15 and 17, according to Chief Crawford.
The group was swimming just inside the first sandbar when the attack occurred. The first victim suffered severe injuries to one upper and one lower extremity, requiring the application of tourniquets. She was transported in critical condition to Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola.
The second victim sustained flesh wounds to her right foot and was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in stable condition.
WCSO
Chief Crawford emphasized the rarity of the situation, stating, “Marine life is out there. That’s their environment. when you go into their environment, unfortunately, as rare as these things are, these things can happen.”
Sheriff Adkinson addressed the unusual nature of the attacks, saying, “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day. We understand that. But we need to make sure that we’re also using good judgment.”
In response to the attacks, authorities have closed the water to swimming for a two-mile radius around the incident sites. Experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota have been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
Both Chief Crawford and Sheriff Adkinson commended the swift actions of lifeguards, deputies, and nearby citizens with medical training who provided immediate care to the victims. They also praised the seamless coordination between the South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Walton Air Rescue in handling the incidents.
While the specific species of sharks involved in the attacks has not been identified, authorities acknowledge that sharing the water with marine life is an inherent risk.
The decision to reopen the beaches will be reevaluated tomorrow. In the meantime, authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and comply with beach flags and closures for their own safety.
The incidents, which took place within four miles from each other, have left multiple victims with severe injuries.
The first attack occurred around 1:20 p.m. near Founder’s Lane in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old female, who was swimming just past the first sandbar with her husband, suffered significant trauma to her midsection, pelvic area, and the amputation of her left lower arm.
Lifeguards and deputies immediately responded, providing care before transferring the patient to firefighter paramedics. She was then transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.
The second incident, reported at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, involved two female victims between the ages of 15 and 17, according to Chief Crawford.
The group was swimming just inside the first sandbar when the attack occurred. The first victim suffered severe injuries to one upper and one lower extremity, requiring the application of tourniquets. She was transported in critical condition to Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola.
The second victim sustained flesh wounds to her right foot and was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in stable condition.
WCSOChief Crawford emphasized the rarity of the situation, stating, “Marine life is out there. That’s their environment. when you go into their environment, unfortunately, as rare as these things are, these things can happen.”
Sheriff Adkinson addressed the unusual nature of the attacks, saying, “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day. We understand that. But we need to make sure that we’re also using good judgment.”
In response to the attacks, authorities have closed the water to swimming for a two-mile radius around the incident sites. Experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota have been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
Both Chief Crawford and Sheriff Adkinson commended the swift actions of lifeguards, deputies, and nearby citizens with medical training who provided immediate care to the victims. They also praised the seamless coordination between the South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Walton Air Rescue in handling the incidents.
While the specific species of sharks involved in the attacks has not been identified, authorities acknowledge that sharing the water with marine life is an inherent risk.
The decision to reopen the beaches will be reevaluated tomorrow. In the meantime, authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and comply with beach flags and closures for their own safety.
Beach Fanatic
Red and purple flags fly in Walton County after shark attacks, authorities urge caution
In the wake of the two shark attacks that left three victims injured in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, local authorities have announced that red and purple flags will be flown on Saturday, June 8, as a precautionary measure. The flag status has been changed from double-red to single-red, with the addition of purple flags.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) stated in a public notice, “SWFD lifeguards are flying red and purple flags on Saturday, June 8. We are utilizing the red and purple flags today out of an abundance of caution due to Friday’s incidents.”
The decision comes after a 45-year-old woman lost her hand and suffered severe injuries to her midsection and pelvic area in the first attack near Founder’s Lane in Watertown Beach.
The second incident, which occurred just four miles away near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, left two teenage girls with serious injuries, one of whom required tourniquets to control the bleeding.
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the rarity of having three shark attack victims in a single day. “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day,” Sheriff Atkinson stated, adding that experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota had been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
The SWFD’s latest notice underscores the importance of beachgoers remaining vigilant and aware of the risks posed by both surf hazards and marine life.
“It is important to us that beach patrons recognize and understand the risk of the open water as it pertains not just to surf hazards, but marine life. We ask you to remain situationally aware at all times,” the notice read.
In a coordinated effort to ensure public safety, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife (MyFWC), and SWFD are working together to patrol the water and shoreline with boats and vehicles throughout Saturday.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to swim carefully, respect the Gulf, stay hydrated, and look out for their loved ones while the beach restrictions remain in place.
In the wake of the two shark attacks that left three victims injured in Walton County, Florida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, local authorities have announced that red and purple flags will be flown on Saturday, June 8, as a precautionary measure. The flag status has been changed from double-red to single-red, with the addition of purple flags.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) stated in a public notice, “SWFD lifeguards are flying red and purple flags on Saturday, June 8. We are utilizing the red and purple flags today out of an abundance of caution due to Friday’s incidents.”
The decision comes after a 45-year-old woman lost her hand and suffered severe injuries to her midsection and pelvic area in the first attack near Founder’s Lane in Watertown Beach.
The second incident, which occurred just four miles away near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, left two teenage girls with serious injuries, one of whom required tourniquets to control the bleeding.
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the rarity of having three shark attack victims in a single day. “It is rare, exceedingly rare to have three victims in one day,” Sheriff Atkinson stated, adding that experts from Mote Marine in Sarasota had been contacted to investigate any potential anomalies.
The SWFD’s latest notice underscores the importance of beachgoers remaining vigilant and aware of the risks posed by both surf hazards and marine life.
“It is important to us that beach patrons recognize and understand the risk of the open water as it pertains not just to surf hazards, but marine life. We ask you to remain situationally aware at all times,” the notice read.
In a coordinated effort to ensure public safety, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife (MyFWC), and SWFD are working together to patrol the water and shoreline with boats and vehicles throughout Saturday.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to swim carefully, respect the Gulf, stay hydrated, and look out for their loved ones while the beach restrictions remain in place.
Beach Lover
Hi All, The shark attacks are tragic and disturbing. Thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. I've been part of South WALTON for over 40 years. Would someone please tell me the exact location where both attacks occurred?
Beach Lover
To everyone reading this, let's be clear it was was Seagrove and Seaside where the shark attacks were, they did not occur in Inlet Beach, as falsely reported in the related news article.That is incorrect the sheriff said Watersound and Seacrest
Beach Lover
#181
That is incorrect the sheriff said Watersound and Seacrest
Beach Lover
#191
South Walton Friends,
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson reported
that the shark attacks were at Watersound Beach and Seacrest Beach.
During a joint press conference on Friday, SWFD Chief Ryan Crawford and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson reported
that the shark attacks were at Watersound Beach and Seacrest Beach.
Beach Lover
That is incorrect the sheriff said Watersound and Seacrest!! Imperial you have your facts wrong. Read below!
Beach Lover
#211
Wrong! Watersound Beach and Seacrest Beach according to the authorities. Inlet Beach is due east of Seacrest Beach. Your facts are incorrect!
Beach Lover
#221
Second attack at Inlet.WRONG! SEE BELOW!
Beach Lover
#231
South Walton Friends,
See below.
See below.
Beach Fanatic
This is bizarre. Multiple attacks in close locations around the same time. I wonder if we will ever understand why and what species of shark did this. Probably not. I feel sad for the victims and their families and wish them all the best.
Beach Lover
At least what I’ve heard the consensus seems to be a bull shark and that it was the same shark.
It’s unfortunate. But for perspective when I see an ant in my house, without second thought it gets stepped on. Generally the marine life leaves us alone when we enter theirs.
It’s unfortunate. But for perspective when I see an ant in my house, without second thought it gets stepped on. Generally the marine life leaves us alone when we enter theirs.
Beach Lover
This is bizarre. Multiple attacks in close locations around the same time. I wonder if we will ever understand why and what species of shark did this. Probably not. I feel sad for the victims and their families and wish them all the best.bull shark according to authorities
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