Georgia Man Recovers from Shark Bite at Florida Beach

A man in his early 20s from Georgia is on the mend after being bitten by a shark while protecting his pregnant fiancée at a Florida beach. The incident occurred in waist-deep water near Dunlawton Beach Approach in Daytona Beach Shores around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. This was just before the start of this year’s Shark Week.

The shark, estimated to be about 4 feet long, bit the man’s left foot and ankle, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials. They informed Fox News Digital that the man was treated on the scene by Beach Safety personnel and taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

FOX 5 Atlanta identified the victim as Jacorey High from Henry County, Georgia. High prioritized getting his fiancée out of the water safely. He told FOX 5 Atlanta, “I knew it was a shark because of the way it bit down on my foot, but I was more concerned about getting my fiancée to safety.”

High explained that the shark continued its pursuit as he tried to escape. “It tried to get my arm, so I had to push it away and ran as it aimed for my other leg,” he recounted to the station.

The shark was described as gray and about the distance from High’s waist to his feet in height, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. After reaching the shore, High noted the severity of his injuries. He said, “I didn’t feel much until I arrived at the hospital and received medication.” Doctors later conducted surgery on his foot, and High anticipates a three-month recovery.

He expressed hope that the injury did not cause lasting damage, allowing him to return to work. Fox News Digital previously reported that shark experts advise beachgoers to stay vigilant this summer as sightings have risen along several U.S. coastlines.

Marine biologist Mike Heithaus from Florida International University told Fox News Digital that shark bites remain uncommon, even during the crowded summer beach season. “People should stay aware of local conditions and listen to lifeguards, but shark bites are rare,” he stated.

He recommended avoiding murky waters, keeping clear of areas with large fish schools, and steering clear of spots where people are actively fishing.

Fox News Digital reached out to High for further comments on the incident. Shark Week 2026 will run from July 26 to August 1 on the Discovery Channel.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with Fox News Digital’s lifestyle team.