| Q |
Where was your attack? |
| A |
Treasure Shores Beach, Florida. Six miles south of the Sebastian
Inlet. |
| Q |
What happened the day of your attack? |
| A: |
I was on duty as a lifeguard. I had just gotten back from vacation
and was anxious to go swimming. I entered the water and swam out past
the waves. Then I started to swim laps parallel to the beach when
something slammed into me. It felt like a truck plowing into me. |
| Q |
Did you know right away what it was? |
| A: |
At first, it disorientated me, and when I looked up to see what
had happened, I realized I was spun in the opposite direction. That's
when I knew a shark had attacked me. |
| Q |
What happened next? |
| A: |
My hand and leg started to burn, so I pulled them out of the water
to see the damage. My hand was dripping blood everywhere, and when
I rolled to look at my leg, I saw that it had been laid wide open.
It was pretty gross. Blood was in the water all around me. |
| Q |
Was anyone there to help you? |
| A: |
Well, I signaled to my partner to come rescue me, but he never responded.
No one else was around so I ended up rescuing myself. |
| Q |
What were the water conditions? |
| A: |
The waves were about 2-3 foot. The water was murky with maybe two
foot of visibility, and the water temperature was in the mid seventies.
There was also a 4-5 foot drop off when I entered the water. |
| Q |
Were there any bait fish present? |
| A: |
It was bait fish season, but I didn't see any when I went in. |
| Q |
What were you wearing when you got attacked? |
| A: |
A black bathing suit, yellow swim cap, goggles, wedding rings, a
watch, a whistle around my neck, and lifeguard buoy that I towed behind
me. |
| Q |
How many stitches did you get? |
| A: |
I had three layers and they stopped counting after 85. |
| Q |
Do you have any permanent damage? |
| A: |
My wrist gives me the most problems. I had two surgeries and the
doctor removed a bone from my hand. I also had two years of hand therapy.
I'm left handed so I drop things a lot. It gets frustrating, but it
could be a lot worse. My leg has permanent nerve damage. It aches
if I lay on it. |
| Q |
How do you feel about sharks now? |
| A: |
I'm fascinated by them, especially after the attack. I strongly
believe that shark attacks occur from mistaken identity, and most
can be avoided. |
| Q |
Do you still swim in the ocean? |
| A: |
Yes, but not laps, unless the water visibility is clear. I surf
every chance I get. I love the ocean! |
| Q |
Your attack was more unusual than most.
The fact that you were pregnant has made your story world known. What
happened with the baby after the attack? |
| A: |
You'll have to read the book to find out! |
