Swimmer Sustains Severe Injuries in Shark Bite at Watersound Beach

Foley sustained particularly severe injuries — traumatic amputation of the lower left arm combined with significant pelvic and abdominal trauma — in an incident that was part of a cluster of bites at the same location the same day, prompting beach closures across Walton County, and her case received documented extended medical follow-up including multiple surgeries.

On June 7, 2024, at approximately 1:20 p.m., a 45-year-old woman was swimming just beyond the first sandbar at Watersound Beach in Walton County, Florida when she encountered a shark. The incident resulted in severe trauma to her midsection and pelvic region, with her lower left arm amputated as a direct result of the bite. Immediate Response: Bystanders, including individuals with medical training, provided emergency aid on the beach until lifeguards and law enforcement deputies arrived at the scene. South Walton Fire District firefighters continued treatment and stabilization efforts. The victim was airlifted by Walton Air Rescue and transported in critical condition to HCA Florida Fort Walton–Destin Hospital. Following the incident, beach authorities temporarily closed swimming areas along portions of Walton County's coastline as a precautionary measure. Warning flags were elevated to alert the public to heightened shark activity in the region. Shark Species: Officials did not confirm the identity of the shark species involved in the incident. Recovery: Medical records indicate the victim underwent multiple surgeries during her hospital course. The incident resulted in the permanent loss of her left hand and forearm, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.