Wednesday, October 4, 2017

American Beach Shark Dangers - a little too close for comfort

The entire family was playing in the surf. Two kids were swimming in knee deep water. Three others were out further with the boogie board and duckie inflatable kayak.

My daughter-in-law and grand baby played in the sand and waves.



American Beach is on Amelia Island.

Amelia Island is the southernmost island in the string of barrier islands extending from South Carolina to Florida.  It is also the north-most city on the Florida east coast. Amelia Island is approximately 13 miles long and 4 miles wide - yet feels much larger with all the activities available.

This particular day we were swimming at American Beach.  (refer to previous post)  I thought we were well versed on the dangers of sharks having lived by the beach numerous times in our Navy career.
BUT I WAS WRONG

The birds swooping for fish should have been a signal.

The dolphins feeding should have been a signal.

The small fish jumping out of the water around us should have been a signal.

So when my daughter-in-law shouted for us to get out of the water, I was some what surprised.

Fishermen were along the beach with their poles set up in the sand and the line stretching out into the deeper water.  To be honest, I don't think this should be allowed around swim beach areas.  So, we made sure to stay what we felt was a safe distance from them.

The story we heard was that the fisherman found a dead shark and was dragging it back into the water.  It wasn't one he caught according to this one person, but I don't always believe the story from one random stranger, so who knows.

The small fish. The dolphins feeding.  Dead shark in the water.

This must have drawn in the feeding sharks.

To read the whole story go to our online magazine! www.thelemonadedigest.com



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