Sharks are magnificent creatures whose lives are still a mystery to us. Some patterns in shark breeding, migration, and feeding have helped researchers better understand the marine predators, but much is still unknown. Annually, people gather at beaches on vacations while their kids splash and play in the waves. The most direct answer to why sharks attack people is because we keep coming into their homes and confusing them. Some beaches are hit harder than others, but no state can hold a candle to the shark capital of the world: Florida.
What’s Up with the Sharks in Watersound?
Watersound, Florida, is a lovely gated community for those who call the beach home. It lies along popular Highway 30A between Destin and Panama City. The crystal clear water, in many shades of turquoise and vibrant electric blues, is inviting even to those who are not fans of entering the ocean. The sand feels like walking on sugar, and the appearance follows suit. The beaches are beautiful, and many are private for the homes in the gated community.
Notorious Highway 30A
Highway 30A lore states it is one spot in Florida with a growing number of shark attacks yearly. These pristine and breathtaking beaches are quiet and serene. It’s the type of beach that, on some days, you might find that you are the only person out there. This is music to the ears of those who love to listen to the ocean and seabirds without the constant disruption of kids yelling, playing volleyball, or blasting music while they drink alcohol. It’s the kind of place you bring some snacks and a good book to.
30A is no stranger to shark attacks, but they are infrequent. In 2024, a woman and two teenage girls were attacked in two separate shark attacks along 30A. This raised the alarm since it is uncommon to experience such violence along these beaches. The shark attacks all took place on a Friday in June 2024 and were only a few hours apart.
Three Shark Attacks in Two Hours
The first attack happened to a woman who went out past the first sandbar. Typically, it’s common to be able to walk out in the clear water and have it only be knee-high until you get past the breakers and sandbars. The 45-year-old woman was swimming near her husband on vacation when tragedy struck. A large shark grabbed her by the midsection, leaving deep puncture wounds before grabbing the lower portion of her arm. Luckily, she was flown to a hospital and survived. She lost the lower part of one arm.
The second attack happened about one and a half hours later in the same area. It’s possible that one shark also did it since it is uncommon. Two girls, ages 15 – 17, were in waist-deep water with a group of friends just past the first sandbar when they were attacked. One teenager had a severe upper leg wound and was also bitten on the hand. The other girl had only minor injuries to her foot and was released quickly from the hospital. The teen with the severe injuries lost a leg and hand in the attack.
What Caused This Shark to Attack Three People in the Same Area?
So, what spurred these sharks or sharks to attack three people in one day? A lot is happening in the ocean at all times, and much of it is invisible to us. That fateful week in June 2024 saw two days’ worth of schools of baitfish close to shore, which would naturally draw in sharks.
The second reason for the shark’s possible confusion during the attacks was the choppy water. With rough water brought on by windy conditions, sand can get mixed into the waves, churning the wild water and creating unfavorable seeing (and hunting) conditions. The shark(s) may have been on the hunt for the tasty schools of baitfish, and with the rough water conditions that day, it may have been very difficult for the shark to see what they were biting into.
What Kind of Sharks Call Watersound Home?
Plenty of different types of sharks swim in the tranquil waters around Florida. It’s warm, filled with tasty fish, and relatively safe. Many sharks that call the area home are much more afraid of us than we are of them. Carpet sharks are masters of disguise and are harmless. Others are highly social sharks and sleep in piles to protect each other, like the nurse sharks. Lemon sharks are also social and are known for their excellent pack-hunting skills. Then there are the other sharks, which can be dangerous on a rare occasion.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks and their cousin, the tiger shark, are the most dangerous in Florida waters. Both sharks have elevated testosterone and are aggressive and territorial. They are also the garbage cans of the sea and will eat virtually anything. It’s possible that the three one-day attacks were all caused by a bull shark. Perhaps it was being territorial since it stuck around the same area.
Should You Be Concerned Swimming in Watersound?
Watersound had a very bad day in June 2024; historically, the area saw shark attacks in June. Even though it is certainly intimidating to think of swimming where there were attacks prior, you will rarely be bitten. It’s best to stick to swimming close to shore in groups. If you see a shark, do not panic and do not splash; instead, head as quickly as you can to shore.
Sharks are less likely to approach a crowd than they are with one swimmer. Don’t wear anything shimmery like fish scales to avoid further confusing them. Do not swim near people fishing or piers. Chum could have been dumped in the water by someone leaving for the day. Sharks can smell blood from pretty far away. If most shark attacks happen in June, why not sit the month out and aim for some ocean fun in one of the other months? After all, Florida is temperate all year round.
