Lifeguard wrestles with shark during unprecedented attack
A New York beach was forced to close Sunday after one of its lifeguards was attacked by a shark while performing a training exercise.
The attack was described as unprecedented by Suffolk County officials, according to a report.
The lifeguard, identified as Zachari Gallo, said the attack occurred around 10:15 a.m., while he and other lifeguards were conducting a training exercise at Smith Point Beach.
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"I felt sharp, sharp pain and I knew it was some kind of ... Once I felt the rubbery texture, I knew it was some kind of shark," Gallo said.
The shark bit him in the hand and chest, and he knew he was going to have to fight the shark.
"I hit the shark three times — I went boom, boom, boom. I guess in the third one, it spun back, and its tail hit me in the chest," he said.
Gallo was taken to a local hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries, the report noted.
The father of a 4-month-old child, Gallo said he is grateful to be with his family.
"The most important thing is to respect the ocean, respect that there are creatures out there, and always swim by a lifeguard because you know they will be there to help if there's a situation," he said.
Gallo said he plans on returning to work.
Local officials said this attack is the first of its kind.
"If you’re going to have an encounter with a shark, this is probably the best scenario you could have," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. "We have never had an incident like this occur. Hopefully, we never will again."
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