Three people were bitten by sharks Sunday at Florida's New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue said.
A 43-year-old Longwood man was bitten on his lower leg or ankle shortly before 10:45 a.m. while surfing south of a jetty, VCBSOR Senior Capt. Tamra Marris said.
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Shortly after 11 a.m., a 36-year-old Miami man was bitten on both hands while surfing in the same area, Marris said.
The man uploaded photos to his Facebook account of paramedics treating him. In the Facebook post, he said he was shaken up and was awaiting surgery.
Both men had significant lacerations and were taken to a hospital for treatment, but are expected to survive their injuries.
A 16-year-old New Smyrna Beach boy was bitten on his inner thigh shortly before 1 p.m. while surfing, Marris said.
The boy had a minor laceration and didn’t need to be taken to a hospital.
Doug Watson, an experienced surfer from Sanford, said he wasn't surprised to learn the news.
"So there's multiple sharks and tarpon and different sport fish that are feeding on the mullet run," he said. "So yeah, you run into them. You see 'em."
Watson said he's cautious given the seasonal fish migration along the coast, but he said Sunday's trio of shark bites won't keep him from the waves.
"You're gonna see 'em," Watson said. "It's part of it. You just respect them."
Signs warning of dangerous marine life were posted at most beach entrances, but Marris said the greater danger lurking in the water was the rip currents.
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