VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Sandbridge was packed with tents and boogie boards as hundreds went there to celebrate the 4th of July, just weeks after reports of marine life bites at that very beach. But visitors said they were not worried.
Allie Cunningham, decked out in what she called her patriotic Garfield shirt, said she is not getting in the water, but it is not due to a fear of sharks. She simply said, “I can’t swim.”
Others visitors, like Jim Grandfield, know the chances of getting bit are remarkably low.
“That’s my rule, never go to the beach and not get in the water,” he told 10 On Your Side.
Marine experts have said in the past that you are more likely to get struck by lightning than you are to get attacked by a shark. The International Shark Attack File reported 36 shark attacks last year, with Florida having the highest amount by state.
Even though they are rare, bites still happen. As stated earlier, four marine life bites were reported along Virginia Beach in late June, including a 10-year-old girl treated for “shark bite lacerations,” according to medical officials.
There are basic ways to avoid shark bites. Marine life experts advise swimmers to not wear jewelry in the water, not to swim with a school of fish and, if you happen to see a shark — get out.
The International Shark File reported just five unprovoked shark attacks in Virginia since the early 1800’s. This does not include the four reported marine life bites from a couple weeks ago.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
