A young man from Georgia is on the mend following a shark bite incident in Florida. The man, in his early 20s, was wading in water at Daytona Beach Shores when a shark attacked him. This happened just before the start of Shark Week this year.

Volusia County Beach Safety officials reported that the shark, around four feet long, bit his left foot and ankle. Emergency services treated him at the scene before he was taken to a hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Jacorey High, identified as the victim by FOX 5 Atlanta, was in the water with his pregnant fiancée. His main concern was ensuring her safety. High explained that he realized it was a shark when it clamped onto his foot.

“I realized right away it was a shark because of the way it bit down on my foot, but I was more worried about getting my fiancée out of the water,” he told FOX 5 Atlanta.

As High tried to escape, the shark kept pursuing him. He had to fend off the shark when it attempted to bite his arm.

“Then it came up to try to get my arm. So I had to push it away from me. I ran, and it tried to get my other leg,” he said.

Once on the shore, High became more aware of his injuries. After medical assessment, he underwent surgery on his foot. He anticipates a three-month recovery period.

Marine biologist Mike Heithaus noted that shark bites are rare, even in busy beach seasons. He advised beachgoers to be cautious, avoid murky waters, and steer clear of areas with schools of fish or active fishing.