A Winter Park man was bitten by a shark in New Smyrna Beach on Sunday, according to Volusia County officials.
The 40-year-old man who was not identified suffered non-life-threatening injuries after suffering the bite to his right forearm while surfing around 3 p.m., according to a statement from Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.
He was transported from the scene for medical treatment.
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New Smyrna Beach has been labeled the “shark bite capital of the world,” according to the International Shark Attack File based in Gainesville, Florida.
According to stats maintained by the group, Volusia County had eight reported shark bites out of Florida’s 14 total in 2024.
Florida made up half of the U.S. total, which saw 28 unprovoked bites last year, of which only one in Hawaii was fatal.
Volusia County averages nine bites a year, according to the file. In 2024, two others were in Walton County in the Panhandle while there was one each in Matin, Brevard, St. Johns and Indian River counties.
Worldwide there were 47 shark bites including four fatal attacks. Australia had the second most bites after the U.S. with nine.
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