A young man from Georgia, identified as Jacorey High, is healing after a shark attack at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. He was in waist-deep water near the Dunlawton Beach Approach when the incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday, just before Shark Week began this year.
The shark, estimated to be about 4 feet long, bit High’s left foot and ankle. Officials from Volusia County Beach Safety reported he received immediate treatment on the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
I realized right away it was a shark because of the way it bit down on my foot, but I was more worried about getting my fiancée out of the water,High told FOX 5 Atlanta.
High recounted the shark pursuing him as he tried to escape. The shark attempted to bite his arm, and High needed to push it away. He then ran from the water while the shark tried once more to bite him.
Upon reaching shore, Jacorey High acknowledged the seriousness of his injuries. He later stated he didn’t feel the extent of the injury until hospital staff administered medication. Doctors performed surgery on his foot, and his recovery is expected to take about three months. He is hopeful that the injury will not disrupt his ability to return to work.
Shark sightings have increased along U.S. coastlines this summer, prompting experts like marine biologist Mike Heithaus from Florida International University to remind beachgoers to stay aware. However, he emphasized that shark bites are rare.
People should always be aware of local conditions and listen to lifeguards, but shark bites are very rare,Heithaus stressed.
To stay safe, Heithaus advised avoiding murky waters and areas with visible schools of fish or where fishing is happening actively.
Shark Week 2026 is set to air from July 26 to August 1 on the Discovery Channel.