Two shark attacks reported along Walton County Beaches, within hours of each other.

Walton County – According to Walton County Sheriff’s Office, just after 1:15 pm today, WCSO deputies and South Walton Fire District responded to a report of a woman being injured by a shark in the water near Watersound Way and Coopersmith Lane.

One patient was transported by South Walton Fire District with injuries.

Walton County officials begin flying double red flags in the surrounding area of the incident. The Gulf waters along the beach were closed to the public in Walton County in the localized area of the incident that occurred around 1:15pm cdt.

Approximately two hours later a 2nd report of shark attack was received by Walton County Sheriff’s Office and South Walton Fire District. They responded to the area of Shoreline Drive in Walton County following multiple reports of a two teenagers injured by a shark. 

South Walton First District then upgraded the closed waters to include the whole county of Walton County. The water is closed to the public in Walton County for the rest of Friday.

Out of abundance of caution, Panama City Beach Police Department, along with Bay County Sheriff’s Office decided to close Panama City Beach and Bay County Beaches to the public. Double Red flags were being posted along Bay County beaches for the rest of Friday afternoon. Panama City Beach is located about 10 miles to the east of the first reported attack.

Officials are asking beach goes to remain out of the gulf waters for the rest of the day.

Current measured water temperature in Panama City Beach, is 85.5F and winds were out of the SW around 15mph at time of reported attacks.

According to wildlife experts, to reduce your chance of being attacked by a shark while in water or visiting a beach, you can do the following:

• Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
• Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
• Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
• Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating-a shark’s ability to smell blood is acute.
• Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
• Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing-especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fishes, are good indicators of such activity.
• While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.
• Use extra caution when waters are murky.
• Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark’s attention.
• Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark’s attention.
• Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
• Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs-these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
• Never harass a shark!

*no injury report was received from possible 2nd shark attack at time of posting of article.*

UPDATE: 5pm CDT from SWFD