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CNN Sunday Morning

Recent Shark Attacks Do Not Scare Florida Beach Visitors Away

Aired July 15, 2001 - 08:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BRIAN NELSON, CNN ANCHOR: Doctors in Florida say an 8-year-old shark attack victim shows no evidence of brain trauma, but they say there still could be neurological damage.

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Jessie Arbogast was attacked last Friday in knee-deep water off Pensacola, I'm sure you've heard the story. Well, how is this attack affecting summer beach-goers? CNN's national correspondent Brian Cabell takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

BRIAN CABELL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A mile up the coast from where Jessie Arbogast was attacked last week, there's certainly no reluctance to return to the beach.

The Blue Angels, who have been practicing all week, are preparing for a big weekend show. Little Carson Klawonn is frolicking in the Gulf water with his brother Grant. They've had their serious talk with mom about last week's shark attack.

NANCY KLAWONN, MOTHER: Oh, yes, we certainly have and every time they go in the water we mention it and let them know that they're not to go any further than their knees.

GRANT KLAWONN, NANCY'S SON: She says, "Just run back to shore as fast as you can so you don't get eaten by the shark."

CABELL: Up and down the beach, adults are watching the children and the water more closely.

PAUL DUBEA, FATHER: I prefer not to go too early in the morning or too late in the afternoon is what we're trying, because they say that's feeding time.

CABELL: The word has spread. Bathers have also been told to stay in groups in clear water and away from fishermen who might attract sharks with bait fish. But talk to the pier attendant, and he'll tell you the sharks are out there, usually in deeper water, but visible from the pier or from the air.

BRITTAIN HEINDL, PIER ATTENDANT: We see them every single day. It's just a regular basis -- they just don't attack.

CABELL: Of course, one did attack last week, but shark experts say that's highly unusual, certainly not enough to scare beach lovers away from the water or the nearby businesses.

HEATHER COLGAN, MANAGER, THE DOCK: It really hasn't -- this is our busiest time of year. And I think the tourists as well the locals know that the odds of this happening are very low.

CABELL: Comforting words for the thousands who have flocked to the beach just a week after the horrific attack on little Jessie Arbogast.

Brian Cabell, CNN, Pensacola, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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