Tourist Injured In Shark Attack At South Florida Beach, Reports Say

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL — A trip to Florida for an Ohio man took a turn on Independence Day when he was bitten by a shark at the beach near Flagler Avenue, per media reports.

The man, who suffered non-threatening injuries from the shark bite, was playing football around 4 p.m. Thursday in knee-deep water when the incident occurred, WESH 2 reported.

The shark reportedly bit the man on his right foot, with a Volusia County resident telling WESH the man the man was bitten on his ankle near the front of his foot.

The man was treated at a hospital, Fox News reported.

The Florida shark bite came on the day four people were attacked by a shark in Texas, the news outlet reported. The attack occurred around 11 a.m. local time at South Padre Island.

Texas-based news outlet 99.5 The Wolf shared via Facebook video footage of what appeared to be the aftermath. In the more than minute-long footage, what appears to be a shark is seen swimming in the water.

No fatalities were reported in the attack.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Sunshine State is home to both harvestable and prohibited sharks.

Shark bites in Florida waters are "extremely unlikely," the commission said.

The commission offered the following tips for minimizing the odds of shark bites:

• Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
• Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
• Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
• Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating-a shark's ability to smell blood is acute.
• Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
• Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing-especially if there are signs of baitfishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on baitfishes, are good indicators of such activity.
• While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.
• Use extra caution when waters are murky.
• Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
• Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark's attention.
• Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
• Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs-these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
• Never harass a shark.