COCOA BEACH, Florida – Cocoa Beach Police Officer Adrian Kosicki was off-duty and walking on the beach with his wife near the Cocoa Beach Pier when they noticed a shark approaching a small boy on a boogie board on Thursday evening, July 16, 2020.
The officer made the decision to quickly enter the water and pull the boy from the surf as the shark began to get dangerously close, within only a couple of feet at its nearest distance.
“We’re certainly not marine biologists, educated and trained to differentiate between the various species of sharks, their respective feeding habits, and aggressiveness near swimmers. We just do what we do best—protect the public from harm,” Cocoa Beach Police Chief wrote.
“Thanks to Adrian, we’ll never know what that shark’s intentions were, and that little boy will forever have a pretty cool story to tell. Great job!”
In addition to spotting the telltale shark fins, fish jumping out of water or sea birds hovering at the surface of the water could indicate the presence of feeding sharks.
Always swim near a lifeguard area (their elevated position on a lifeguard tower is better for shark spotting) and pay attention to warning flags.
Historically, Florida has the most shark attacks in the months of July, August, September, and October, coinciding with increased shark and human activity when the ocean water temperature is warmest.
Volusia County (Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach area) has the highest number of shark attacks in Florida followed by neighboring Brevard County (Cocoa Beach area).
Historically, the two counties account for nearly half of all shark attacks in Florida each year.
Researchers say that the higher number of shark bites in Florida waters closest to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando is attributable to high aquatic recreational use by both Florida residents and tourists, including large numbers of surfers, and to the rich nature of its marine fauna.
Copyright 2011-2023 Brevard Times. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us Privacy Policy