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Terrifying moment shark lurks just feet away from Fourth of July swimmers near one of America’s most dangerous beaches
The sighting came as multiple attacks were reported
PULSE-pounding aerial footage shows the moment a shark stalks the waters just feet away from Fourth Of July swimmers on one of America's most dangerous beaches.
Hundreds of Americans flocked to Miami Beach, Florida, to celebrate the long Independence Day weekend.
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However, unknown to beachgoers, they were swimming in the presence of a predator.
An exclusive video obtained by The U.S. Sun showed a giant shark swimming in the waters a short distance from where swimmers were catching rays on Miami Beach.
At one point in the video, two sharks appear swimming in the same area.
Although it's unclear what breed was spotted in the waters, the Atlantic Ocean waters are home to several shark species.
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Some sharks that warm Atlantic waters include lemon sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and the smooth hammerhead.
With the weather heating up, US coastlines will see a surge in beachgoers and sharks, which could spell danger.
SHARK ATTACKS MOUNTING
Over 200 miles north of Miami Beach, a 21-year-old man was bitten by a shark in New Smyrna Beach.
The unidentified man was in knee-deep water when he was attacked at about 4 pm, Tamra Malphurs, interim director of Volusia County Beach Safety, told NBC News.
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Meanwhile, west of Florida, at least four swimmers were bitten by a shark at Texas' South Padre Island on the southern coast.
Shocking photos shared on social media showed a chunk of flesh bitten off a swimmer's calf as blood spread in the water.
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The one-minute-long video shows the woman lying on the sand while the predator swims back and forth near the shoreline.
Rescuers rush to her aid as they try to stem the bleeding from a wound on her leg.
"The fact people willing get into the water after seeing them is insane," a person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Details at this time indicate that two people were bitten and two people encountered the shark but were not seriously injured," Texas Parks and Wildlife said in a statement.
"The two victims who were bitten were transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, where one is being treated, and the other has been flown out for further treatment."
But Fire Chief Jim Pigg upped that number to three when speaking to NBC News.
"It’s unprecedented here on South Padre Island," Pigg said.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the injured and their families, and we hope for a speedy recovery," South Padre Island Mayor Patrick McNulty told the outlet.
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DANGEROUS WATERS
A study by Simmrin Law revealed the most dangerous beaches in the US ranked on several criteria such as shark attacks, hurricane strikes, and surf zone fatalities - such as rip currents.
"While shark attacks often grab headlines, Florida's beaches rank so high due to the ever-present hurricane risk," Michael Simmrin told Fox Weather.
"Hurricanes create dangerous rip currents and storm surge, raising the overall risk for beachgoers.
"With summer approaching and vacations on the minds of many Americans, this study shows the importance of putting safety first when considering a trip to the beach."
The study found that all the beaches belong in the state of Florida, which has been named the shark attack capital of the world.
The state saw 16 unprovoked shark bites last year, representing 44 percent of the US in total and 23 percent of unprovoked bites around the world.
New Smyrna Beach ranks at the top with the highest likelihood of shark attacks.
Experts at Simmrin Law say that more than 185 shark attacks have been recorded at the beach.
At the bottom was Miramar Beach, which has seven surf zone fatalities.
EXPERT WARNING
Miami Beach attracts millions of visitors each year, yet it ranks fourth among the top ten most dangerous beaches.
Experts have warned swimmers what to do to avoid becoming the victim of a possible shark encounter.
First, paying attention to warning signs is always important, and Miami Beach has a well-received warning system to alert swimmers of any possible hazards.
This includes the presence of sharks, jellyfish, and other marine life.
Beachgoers are also advised to only swim in designated areas monitored by lifeguards.
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These areas are carefully selected to ensure they're the safest, and lifeguards are specially trained to notice any potential risk.
Beachgoers are also warned to always swim with a buddy as it adds an extra layer of safety.
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