Some beachgoers were leery of going in the water at New Smyrna Beach after three people were treated for shark bites on Sunday.
- 3 treated for shark bites at New Smyrna Beach
- Shark bites happened near the jetty
- 2 victims taken to hospital, one treated at scene
"Made me think twice about it, but we usually like to stroll the beach and just put our feet in the water, get in the chairs and sit in the shallow water," said Doug Andrews.
Volusia County Beach and Safety Ocean Rescue said Sunday morning three people were bitten by a shark near the Jetty.
First, a 43-year-old man was bitten on the lower leg while he was surfing. Then, less than half an hour later, a 36-year-old man was bitten on both hands. Just before 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon, authorities said a 16-year-old surfer was bitten on the inner thigh.
Beachgoers Doug and Sally Andrews are being careful.
"You kind of want to look at ... are there a lot of birds feeding? And are there signs that there's bait fish in the water?" said Andrews. "Sometimes you can see them, and if they are, you just have to decide if you want to be in the water with the sharks, or if you don't, then you stay out of the water."
Billy Yoachum, a father of two, had no idea the attacks happened near the area where he and his kids were sitting.
"One hundred percent I'm concerned, but I feel like I'm kind of using common sense. Don't go out too far where you're not supposed to be, and if you have kids like me definitely stay in shallow water, so you can keep an eye on them a little bit better," said Yoachum.
Officials said there have been 12 shark bites this year in Volusia County.
"I think it can be a little scary and I think there's certain times a year we pay closer attention," said Sally Andrews.
Officials said two of the victims were taken to the hospital, but are expected to be OK. The teen was treated on scene.
Beachgoers said lifeguards are now recommending people to stay within knee deep water for their own safety.