Eight-Year-Old Critical After Shark Attack at Florida Resort
An eight-year-old boy is in critical condition following a shark attack Sunday at a popular Florida resort. First responders described teh child’s condition as critical at the scene, noting he was very pale and experiencing abundant bleeding. Medics promptly applied two compression bands and a dressing to control the hemorrhage and monitored his vital signs throughout the rescue operation.
The incident underscores Florida’s position as the state with the highest number of recorded shark attacks in the United States. While shark attacks remain statistically rare, Florida accounted for 14 of the 28 incidents reported in the U.S. in 2024, and up to 30 percent of all unprocessed shark attacks globally, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. This attack raises concerns about safety at popular tourist destinations and prompts renewed focus on preventative measures.
The boy was transported by helicopter to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, where he underwent a complicated surgery Monday evening. The condition of the child is currently unknown, according to Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
The United States Coast Guard and the Fish and Florida Wild Nature Commission are investigating the incident. Florida beaches consistently dominate rankings of the moast perilous for shark encounters, with New Smyrna Beach leading the nation with 277 attacks as 1642. Other high-risk beaches include Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and palm Beach.
“Many people do not realize that some beaches are associated with a much greater risk of contact with sharks than others,” warns Ryan Blundell, founder of the Tideschart portal.
