Authorities in Florida are on high alert following three separate shark attacks that injured three individuals in a single day. The incidents prompted local officials to close down beaches and begin water patrolling, according to a report by the New York Post.
The attacks resulted in injuries to a 45-year-old woman and two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17. The woman, who was swimming at Watersound Beach in Walton County, suffered severe injuries that necessitated the amputation of part of her left arm.
In response, the police have urged beachgoers to remain vigilant. In a Facebook post, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office stated:
“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,” the post read. “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.”
Local officials have marked the beaches with red and purple flags to warn swimmers—red indicating high hazard and purple indicating dangerous marine life.
