Jacorey High underwent foot surgery after the encounter in waist-deep water near a popular Volusia County beach entrance.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — A Georgia man was hospitalized after a shark bit his left foot and ankle as he helped his pregnant fiancée reach shore at a Volusia County beach, according to local officials and subsequent news reports.
Jacorey High was in waist-deep water near the Dunlawton Beach Approach shortly before 5:30 p.m. July 25 when the shark struck. Volusia County Beach Safety personnel treated him at the scene before he was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that officials said were not life-threatening.
High said he and his fiancée were vacationing with relatives when he suddenly felt an animal bite his foot. He estimated the shark was about 4 feet long and said it moved toward him again as he tried to leave the water. Officials have not identified the shark’s species.
High said his first concern was getting his pregnant fiancée away from the animal. He pushed her toward the beach before concentrating on his own escape, according to interviews he gave after the incident. His fiancée was not reported injured.
High reached the sand and received emergency care from beach safety personnel. He later underwent surgery for injuries to his foot, including reported damage to ligaments and tendons. He said he expects his recovery to take about three months, though doctors have not publicly released a detailed prognosis.
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tamra Malphurs confirmed that High was bitten on the left foot and ankle by a shark estimated to be about 4 feet long. Officials said his injuries were considered non-life-threatening when he was taken from the beach.
The encounter happened near Dunlawton Avenue, a heavily used beach access point along the Atlantic coast in Daytona Beach Shores. County beach safety officials operate lifeguard services, emergency response crews and warning systems along the area’s beaches.
Malphurs advised swimmers to remain near staffed lifeguard towers and stay alert for diving birds or large groups of baitfish near shore. Those conditions can draw larger marine animals into areas used by swimmers, she said.
Officials had not reported any other injuries tied to the incident or released additional information about the shark as of Wednesday. High remained focused on recovering from surgery and determining when he could return to work.
Author note: Last updated July 29, 2026.