UPDATED

A child was potentially bitten by a shark in shallow water near WaterColor on Wednesday, according to reports made to South Walton Fire District lifeguards.

• Lifeguards at SWFD Tower 24 in WaterColor were notified of the incident around 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3. SWFD lifeguards and firefighters evaluated the pediatric patient, who had a superficial wound on the leg, and did not transport them to the hospital via ambulance.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, SWFD said it will continue flying double red flags along a five-mile stretch of beach between One Seagrove Place and Gulf Trace through the rest of the day following bystander reports of potential increased shark and marine life activity. The localized water closure will be re-evaluated when lifeguards return to duty Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m.

All other beaches outside the closure area will be marked with a single red flag for high surf hazards and dangerous rip currents, along with a purple flag for the increased presence of marine life.

Since the incident was reported, SWFD has investigated bystander reports of shark and marine life activity through enhanced water supervision, the use of jet skis and drone aerial coverage. Lifeguards have not identified any additional threats or marine life acting in an aggressive manner since the time of the incident and related first reports in that area, the fire district said.

In a statement, SWFD said open-water lifeguards engage in routine deconfliction activities to warn swimmers of any type of incompatible marine life, including jellyfish, stingrays and larger animals such as sharks. The agency described the practice as part of a proactive and preventative approach to keep beach patrons informed of potential hazards and reduce threats of injury.

“We appreciate the community’s vigilance and remind anyone who is visiting the beach to swim near a lifeguard and stay informed on flag conditions,” SWFD said. The agency noted that surf hazards naturally occurring in open water, primarily rip currents, typically present the greatest threat and should always be treated with respect.