Volusia County, Florida — A young Florida man is being praised for his quick thinking and bravery after putting his pregnant fiancée’s safety ahead of his own during a frightening shark attack at the beach. Moments after feeling a powerful bite clamp onto his foot, 22-year-old Jacorey High focused on getting his partner safely back to shore before realizing the seriousness of his own injuries.
Shark Suddenly Attacked While Couple Was in the Water
The incident happened on July 25 near the Dunlawton Beach Approach in Volusia County, Florida, where Jacorey High and his pregnant fiancée were wading in waist-deep water.
Recalling the terrifying encounter, High said he suddenly felt something bite his foot before realizing it was a shark. According to High, after releasing his foot, the shark attempted to lunge toward his arm, but he managed to push it away.
The terrifying moments unfolded in seconds, leaving High with little time to react.
First Priority Was Saving His Pregnant Fiancée
Rather than immediately trying to escape for himself, High said his first instinct was to make sure his fiancée reached safety.
He explained that he pushed his pregnant fiancée toward the beach first, making sure she reached dry land before turning his attention to getting himself out of the water.
Only after confirming she was safe did he begin thinking about his own injuries.
Despite the shark continuing to pursue him as he moved toward shore, High successfully made it back to the beach. It wasn’t until he reached land that he realized blood was “pouring” from his injured foot, revealing the severity of the attack.
Officials Confirm Shark Bite Caused Serious Injuries
According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, the attack occurred just before 5:30 p.m. local time.
Ocean Rescue Director Tamra Malphurs said High had been standing waist deep in the water when he was bitten on his left foot and ankle by a shark estimated to be about four feet long.
Beach Safety personnel treated him at the scene before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
Officials said his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
A GoFundMe campaign created to help with medical expenses stated that High managed to run for help despite significant blood loss and intense pain.
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According to the fundraiser, he suffered extensive ligament and tendon damage to his foot and now faces a lengthy recovery that could keep him away from work.
Beach Officials Offer Safety Reminder
While shark attacks remain statistically uncommon, beach safety officials say visitors can reduce their risk by taking a few precautions.
Malphurs encouraged beachgoers to swim near staffed lifeguard towers, where trained rescue personnel can respond quickly during emergencies.
She also advised people to pay attention to their surroundings, particularly if they notice birds diving into the water or large schools of bait fish gathering near shore, as those conditions can attract larger marine animals.
According to beach officials, temporarily moving to another area until marine activity settles can be a simple but effective safety measure while enjoying the ocean.
As Jacorey High continues recovering, many are praising his actions as an example of selflessness, saying his instinct to protect his growing family came before concern for his own safety.
What do you think about Jacorey High’s actions? Would you have reacted the same way in such a dangerous situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
