Nine-year-old child describes shocking experience of getting bitten by a shark during snorkeling in Florida waters.
Young girl, Leah Lendel, 9, bravely shares her harrowing experience of surviving a shark attack in Florida. The extraordinary incident unfolded off Boca Grande on June 11, as Leah was snorkeling.
"Something hard took a chunk outta me," Leah remembers, "then it tried to drag me away. I looked down, and my hand was in pieces with blood everywhere." A visual that no child should ever witness.
"My heart sank," recalls Leah's mom, Nadia Lendel, as she Ottawa the immediate chaos of the scene. "I knew right then it was a shark attack."
Leah, however, credit her instincts for saving her life. Gutsy, she sprinted out of the water and her dad picked her up, rushing to the road as bystanders already dialing 911. Critical moments needed to be quick, and Leah's parents are grateful for the construction workers who helped them put a tourniquet on her arm.
Dr. Alfred Hess, from Tampa General Hospital, lauded these first responders. They made the essential decision to fly the two-hour journey to the hospital that boasted the necessary expertise to save Leah's hand within the six-hour window.
Leah underwent multiple surgeries, with doctors first stabilizing her bone and working on blood flow. Incredibly, some blood vessels were taken from Leah's leg to help restore blood flow to her hand. Now, she'll face physical therapy and eventually have the pins removed from her hand.
As if miracle upon miracle, another shark attack was reported just days later on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Luckily, the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
Despite these alarming incidents, it's essential to remember that shark attacks are an uncommon event. Experts at the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File reported only 28 instances of unprovoked bites in the U.S. last year, with the majority taking place in Florida and South Carolina. Just one attack in Hawaii last year proved fatal.
To minimize the risk during snorkeling activities, consider these safety measures:
- Avoid known shark-populated waters.
- Stay clear of dawn, dusk, or nighttime snorkeling when sharks are most active.
- Don't snorkel solo; keep a buddy or stay near a group.
- Avoid shiny jewelry or bright clothing that may attract sharks.
- Postpone entering the water if bleeding or with open wounds.
- Minimize splashing and chaotic movements in the water.
- Avoid panicking if a shark is sighted; exit the water calmly and slowly.
- Stay near shore or a boat for quick help accessibility.
- Follow local warnings and guidelines set by lifeguards and marine authorities.
In the unlikely event of an attack, rapid action and seeking immediate medical assistance are vital, as exemplified in young Leah's life-saving rescue.
Despite the rareness of shark attacks, it's crucial to take precautions while participating in sports like snorkeling, especially in known shark-populated waters. Implement safety measures such as avoiding dawn, dusk, or nighttime snorkeling, not wearing shiny jewelry, staying clear of areas with open wounds, and minimizing splashing to reduce the risk of encounters. In the unlikely event of an international sports-betting scenario where a shark attack occurs, immediate action and medical attention are vital.
