Beachgoers Concerned About Sharks

Expert Offers Advice To Stay Safe

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- Beachgoers at Jacksonville Beach are concerned after a Georgia teen was bitten on the foot by what doctors believe was a shark.The apparent shark bite happened Thursday while the 18-year-old was standing in waist-deep water near 16th Avenue South. When Channel 4 polled people at the beach, everyone seemed well aware that sharks are swimming in the same waters they are."Because it's known that there are sharks here in Florida!" said Lydia Cuevas, who was at the beach Saturday with her kids.Now many beach goers are more aware of sharks' presence. Earlier this week, Hanna Foster said a shark bit her on the foot while swimming at Jacksonville Beach. It took 29 stitches to fix her wounds.

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Beachgoers Worried About Sharks In Water
18-Year-Old Bitten By Shark?

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Bitten While Swimming In Ocean

"It's terrifying," said Tammie Castro. "It happens too often, if sharks come close to the shore, it's terrifying."Channel 4 spoke with University of North Florida shark biologist Jim Gelsleichter. He said there are not more sharks out there, but warmer water is causing them to migrate up the east coast. He said beach goers can protect themselves by staying as close to the shore as possible."Don't swim with dogs, for example, which tend to be an attractant," Gelsleichter said. "Don't swim with open wounds."Experts said it's also important to watch over young children.