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Florida Teen Bitten by Shark Says There’s Nothing ‘To Be Scared Of’

Florida Teen Bitten by Shark During Lifeguard Camp Says There's Nothing 'To Be Scared Of'
Dempsey Manhart via FOX35 Orlando

A 14-year-old boy named Dempsey Manhart was bitten by a shark during a lifeguard training camp in Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Initial Reaction

Florida Teen Bitten by Shark During Lifeguard Camp Says There's Nothing 'To Be Scared Of'
Dempsey Manhart via FOX35 Orlando

During a drill, Manhart dove into the water and initially thought he had hit another person.

Realization of the Shark Bite

Florida Teen Bitten by Shark During Lifeguard Camp Says There's Nothing 'To Be Scared Of'
Dempsey Manhart via FOX35 Orlando

Quickly realizing it was a shark, he hit it with his hands before the shark bit his calf and swam away.

Medical Treatment

Great White Shark. Image via Canva Pro

Manhart received 17 stitches for his calf injury but is otherwise fine and eager to return to training.

Positive Attitude

Great White Shark Alabama
Silhouette of jumping Great White Shark. Red sky of sunrise. Great White Shark breaching in attack. Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias. South Africa. Image via Depositphotos

Despite the bite, Manhart remains unfazed, believing the incident was a rare occurrence and unlikely to happen again.

Inspiration from His Father

Great White Shark. Image via Depositphotos

His father, a deputy, lifeguard, and EMT, has been an inspiration for Manhart, encouraging him to continue his training.

Shark Bite Capital

Great White Shark
Great White Shark with mouth open. Image via Depositphotos

Volusia County is known as the “shark bite capital of the world,” with several incidents reported recently.

Another Recent Shark Bite Incident

Florida Teen Bitten by Shark During Lifeguard Camp Says There's Nothing 'To Be Scared Of'
Image via Connor Baker

Connor Baker, another victim, was bitten in the foot while playing football in knee-high water at New Smyrna Beach on the Fourth of July.

Baker’s Response

great white shark
Sharks are highly adapted to their oceanic environments.

Image Generated by Alana Theron with DALL-E.

Baker felt a stab in his foot and quickly reacted by pulling his foot out and running away.

Medical Intervention for Baker

great white shark
Image by Alex Steyn via Unsplash

Baker underwent surgery to repair ruptured tendons and is now recovering, although he won’t walk for 6-8 weeks.

Third Shark Bite Victim

Great White shark
Great White shark while coming to you on deep blue ocean background. Image via Depositphotos

A 26-year-old man from Sarasota was also bitten on his left foot by a shark in New Smyrna Beach.

Increased Awareness

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Great white shark By Elias Levy – Great White Shark, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40577027

These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and caution while swimming in these areas.

Community Support

Great white shark at Isla Guadalupe, Mexico.
Great white shark at Isla Guadalupe, Mexico. By Terry Goss, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1561215

The community has shown support for the victims, emphasizing the importance of safety and education regarding shark encounters.

Lifeguard Training Continues

Great white shark smiling
Great white shark smiling. By Hermanus Backpackers – Great White Shark Cage Diving, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7889952

Despite the incidents, lifeguard training camps continue, with a focus on safety and preparedness.

Positive Outlook

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias). South Africa. Image via Depositphotos

Manhart’s positive outlook and determination to return to the water serve as an inspiration to others.

Conclusion

great white shark
Image by Oleksandr Sushko via Unsplash

These recent shark bites underscore the unpredictable nature of the ocean but also highlight the resilience and bravery of those affected.

Next Up:

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