Shark bites Georgia man at Volusia County beach

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Georgia man is recovering after a shark bit him while he was wading in shallow water off a Volusia County beach Saturday evening.

Just before 5:30 p.m., a 21-year-old man from Georgia was standing in waist-deep water in front of Dunlawton Beach when a shark, estimated at about 4 feet long, bit him on the left foot and ankle, according to Volusia County Beach Safety.

Beach Safety personnel treated the man at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Officials said his injuries are not life-threatening.

Shark safety tips for beachgoers

The Florida Museum offers the following tips to help keep you and your family safe in the water this summer:

• Swim with a buddy — Never swim alone
• Stay close to shore — Shallow, nearshore water keeps you closer to help
• Avoid dawn and dusk — Sharks are more active during low-light hours
• Steer clear of fishing activity — Don’t swim near schools of fish or areas where people are fishing
• Leave the jewelry at home — Shiny accessories can resemble fish scales
• Limit excess splashing — Erratic movement can attract sharks