• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Shark Attack Victim Helped Her Friend Despite Being Bitten

0:46
Shark Attack Victim Helped Her Friend Despite Being Bitten
WJXT
ByABC NEWS
August 21, 2015, 11:29 AM

— -- A 10-year-old girl in Florida is being credited with helping a friend despite being bitten by a shark.

Kaley Szarmack was enjoying an afternoon at the shore in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Wednesday when a reportedly 3-foot-long shark took a bite out of her leg as she was exiting the surf.

After being attacked, Kaley saw the shark in the water and turned to warn a friend who was located nearby, her father, Dave Szarmack, told station WJXT-TV in Jacksonville.

“She walked herself out of the ocean and she realized that the 6-year-old was still in the water, so she turned around and went back and got the 6-year-old and took her out of the water,” her father said. “It’s emotional, but she pulled the little girl out of the water.”

Kaley was rushed to the hospital with several large lacerations.

She is still recovering in the hospital, but her father hopes she’ll be able to return to the water as soon as she can.

“I’m just so proud of her, and just so thankful that she’s doing so well,” Szarmack said.

Up Next in News—

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News