Teen recovering from shark bite injury in Grayton Beach

GRAYTON BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A teenager is recovering after being bitten by a shark in Grayton Beach Thursday.

According to the South Walton Fire District, the 14-year-old has about 40 stitches and is expected to be okay.

Multiple witnesses said the shark was about seven to eight feet long.

Sharks are rare in this part of the Gulf, but SWFD officials encourage you to not make contact if you happen to see one.

First responders said the teen was swimming about 40 yards from shore, near a fishing line.

SWFD beach safety director David Vaughan said to always use caution when swimming in the Gulf, but that being bit by a shark should not scare you from getting in the water.

“This is the first one in the (SWFD) program’s history. So we’re in our 16th season and the last reported, confirmed shark bite in Walton County was 2005, so 16 years ago,” Vaughan said.

He also said you are much more likely to get hurt in the parking lot of one of the beach access points, or by a rip current than a shark in Walton County.

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