South Walton Fire District Beach Safety personnel and ALS units responded to the report of a potential shark attack Thursday afternoon in the area of Grayton Beach State Park.
The first arriving lifeguard on-scene made contact with the victim who had visible wounds to the upper body and chest area, according to the South Walton Fire District.
The lifeguard continued care until South Walton Fire District’s Truck 2 and Rescue 2 arrived to treat the injuries.
“The victim has been transported to a local hospital to receive further treatment, but is believed to be in stable condition and expected to recover,” wrote the South Walton Fire District in a press release.
According to the victim’s account, they were swimming approximately 40 yards from shore near a fishing line, when the shark approached heading for the line and mistakenly bit the swimmer. The shark is believed to be 7-8 feet in length.
Double Red Flags are flying on local South Walton beaches to warn swimmers and advise against swimming in the Gulf at this time.