Beachgoers re-enter ocean with caution after shark attacks

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Shark attacks at South Padre Island on July 4 have led people at the beach to question going back in the water.

State and local officials were able to harness the shark and get it back into deeper waters following two attacks and two encounters with swimmers. According to officials, three people were transported to the hospital and at least one injury was severe. One woman was treated for a leg injury at the scene.

Derrick Mefford, a visitor from Houston, said he and his family were going in the water today, but were being vigilant and staying within the first sandbar.

He said he believes as long as you keep your eyes out you should be okay.

South Padre Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg said he has never seen anything like the attacks on July 4.

"Yesterday afternoon was unprecedented. I’ve been here 25 years and I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s a very rare occasion that it happens here in South Padre Island," Pigg said.

He added that the shark bites were caused by the sharks curious about what was in the murky water.

Several beachgoers said they were being extra cautious as they re-entered the water.

Lifeguards have also been patrolling the beaches to answer people's questions about whether entering the Gulf of Mexico is safe.

"We are educating the public through social media, the lifeguards are on the beach today, they’re educating people with questions. Multiple people have questions on whether or not they should go in, just be vigilant about what the activities are," Pigg said.