Swim to Safety: An Unlikely Encounter in the Florida Everglades

Last week, rangers from Florida's Everglades National Park received a frantic call about a crocodile attack at the marina. A 68-year-old man attempting to swim to shore was bitten. 

The reports indicated his boat had capsized, prompting him to swim alongside it. Rangers arrived to find him diving underwater and quickly tended to a cut on his thigh from the attack. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition by Miami rescue services.

Park staff and expert biologists are investigating the incident and monitoring the identified crocodile. In cooperation with U.S. and Florida wildlife authorities, they are following response plans for such human-crocodile encounters.

There have been several incidents in Florida where crocodiles and alligators have attacked people in pools, and even on streets. In February 2023, an 85-year-old woman walking her dog was killed by an alligator. In July 2022, a woman fell into a pool and was killed after being caught by two alligators. In March 2023, a massive crocodile was spotted roaming the streets freely.

Although the Everglades, where the recent event occurred, is generally considered safe to visit, authorities recommend that visitors remain vigilant and avoid swimming in water areas like lakes or designated boat basins within the park.