A 64-year-old man is now recovering from a shark bite. Lifeguards say this is pretty unusual for Flagler Beach.
- 64-year-old man bitten by a shark off Flagler Beach
- Lifeguards say this is unusual. Usually fishermen get bitten if they catch a shark
- Victim's condition unknown
Flagler county paramedics rescued a 64-year old man Sunday morning near 10 th Street North. They say he was bitten in the left leg by a shark while he was swimming.
The county's chief said the man managed to pull himself ashore and call for help after he was bitten.
"I am somewhat surprised," said Andreas Stocker.
Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue Co-Captain Andreas Stocker said sharks have been known to latch onto fishing lines and bite the fisherman trying to throw it back.
"Sometimes fishermen might catch a shark and when they're trying to get the hook out they might get bitten. But never anything deadly normally, just bandage it out.
"I've worked at the beach for six years and we've never actually had a shark attack or shark ever bite anyone in the ocean," said Stocker.
But he said it's rare to hear of anyone getting bit in the water.
Captain Stocker said if you see a shark, notify a lifeguard so they can remove swimmers from the area.
The victim was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue wants to remind everyone to always check with a lifeguard before you go into the water, because they can let you know of any reported dangers.