A man in his early twenties from Georgia was bitten by a shark while wading in waist-deep water to protect his pregnant fiancée at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, in an incident that occurred just before this year's Shark Week. The attack, which took place near the Dunlawton Beach Approach shortly before 5:30pm on a Saturday, left him with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since required a lengthy recovery, highlighting the real risks behind the annual television event's shark-themed programming.

According to Volusia County Beach Safety officials, the shark involved was estimated to be around four feet long and bit the man's left foot and ankle. He was treated at the scene by beach safety personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital. The victim, identified as Jacorey High, has spoken about the frightening moment and has reportedly faced a three-month recovery process following the bite.