shark safety

[Happy Hammer]

i have just read on another thread that there has been a shark attack on an 11 year old at marco island.What i would like to know is....are any of the florida beaches(gulf or atlantic) safety netted like they do in australia?

[Fiona]

We always go to St. Pete`s for the day and I am pretty positive that the stretch of beach we go to, they have double shark nets. We always go in swimming (not too far out though) and I think the chances of being attacked by a shark are about the same as being struck by lightening or run over by a bus!!

[alisonjones]

shark attacks are reportedly very rare on the st. petes side of florida and according to some sources they are still not sure if this attack on the 11 year old was actually a shark. The daytona side of florida has more reported attacks than the st. petes side.:smile:

[phil hay]

went to cocoa beach last year fishermen were catching sharks off pier.i think you have got moor chance stepping on a stingray if that helps

[TheAldingtons]

If its any consolation, Shark attacks are becoming more common throughout the world.....so dont worry too much, as you still have more chance of winning the lottery!

**When they say that, does that mean a tenner or the jackpot?**

Besides, I always make sure we are swimming close to someone elses family, making lots of noise and splashing, they will appear much more appealling :-)

Good luck....

[TheAldingtons]

Just read the article **Below**, but if you are gonna swim with their natural food, you aint doing yourself any favors!


MARCO ISLAND -- An 11-year-old tourist was cut on his right hand and thigh after a reported shark attack today.

Authorities said the boy, who wasn't immediately identified, dove into a school of fish just before he was bitten.

He was being treated at Marco Urgent Care, where his father said through a nurse the family would have no comment, the Naples Daily News reported.

The most recent known shark bite in southwest Florida happened off Boca Grande in Lee County in early July 2005.

Sharks attacks in Florida are relatively rare. Most attacks are minor bites on the feet or ankles.