During the Fourth of July weekend, multiple sightings of sharks swimming in shallow waters at Florida beaches caused panic among swimmers and captured the attention of beachgoers who recorded the startling incidents.
In Perdido Key, a hammerhead shark was observed swiftly moving in and out of the shallow waters, coming as close as five to ten yards offshore. The massive creature's aggressive movements alarmed onlookers, prompting them to warn others about the danger.
WATCH: Drone video shows a hammerhead shark swimming off a Florida beach pic.twitter.com/i9MBVWTTa7
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 9, 2021
Marine biologist Kennady Brinley explained that shark sightings are more prevalent in June but can still occur in July, noting that the shark in the video was displaying foraging behavior.
In another viral video captured at Navarre Beach, approximately 40 miles away, a shark was casually swimming amidst the crowded beachgoers.
As the shark's fin circled in the waves, swimmers began to notice and promptly exited the water.
Some individuals even turned around to observe the shark's tail flipping. Concerned onlookers urged everyone to quickly evacuate the water. Although many people eventually made their way out, there were some who took their time, prompting someone behind the camera to remind them that the sharks were still present.
According to Cristy Cox, who recorded the Navarre Beach video, the shark was merely searching for its next meal. Cox mentioned that a dolphin had initially been swimming alongside the shark but disappeared at some point, Cox emphasized the natural behavior of the shark and urged everyone to stay vigilant, recognizing that they were in the shark's habitat.
Beach Safety Director Austin Turnbill confirmed the presence of a shark but assured the public that there was no reason for concern regarding the sighting.
