Florida authorities are on high alert after three shark attacks injured three people in a single day.
In the three separate attacks, a 45-year-old woman and two teenagers, ages 15 and 17, were injured, forcing local officials to close beaches and begin patrolling the water, the New York Post.
The woman, who was swimming at Water Sound Beach in Walton County, was seriously injured, leaving doctors no choice but to amputate part of her left arm.
Police also urged beachgoers to remain alert.
In a Facebook post, police said, “The Walton County Sheriff's Office Beaches Marine Unit continues to monitor the shoreline and beaches Saturday following Friday's incidents involving sharks in Walton County.”
“Deputies spotted a 14-foot hammerhead shark east of South County Highway 395 at Santa Rosa Beach this morning from the boat, which is NOT uncommon,” the post said.
“We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf. Swimmers and sunbathers should use caution when swimming and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”
Local officials also marked red and purple flags on the beach as a warning to swimmers: red for high danger and purple for dangerous marine life.
In a separate post, the sheriff's office asked visitors to be aware of their surroundings and “remember, we are guests in the Gulf.” [of Mexico]”.
The attack caused “significant trauma” to the victim's body, and part of his left arm was subsequently amputated, the chief said, according to ABC News.
