Cape Henlopen State Park swimming areas delay opening Tuesday after apparent shark bite

LEWES (June 9, 2014) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced Monday evening that swimming areas at Cape Henlopen State Park are to delay opening Tuesday while biologists and lifeguards monitor the ocean beaches for unusual activity after a Delmar teenager reportedly was bitten on the arm by a shark this afternoon.

The 16-year-old was taken to Beebe Medical Center and treated for gashes on his left forearm. He later told DNREC Parks Enforcement that he felt something grab his arm about 5 p.m. while he was standing in about five feet of water. The teen then used his right arm to flail at what he described as a shark to get it to release its bite before it swam away. Lifeguards on duty at Cape Henlopen treated his cuts and the Lewes Fire Department transported the teenager to Beebe by ambulance for further medical attention.

Chief Wayne Kline of Parks Enforcement said that the main swimming beach at Cape Henlopen State Park will delay allowing swimmers in the water Tuesday until later in the morning, while lifeguards who go on duty at 9 a.m. and DNREC marine biologists monitor the water.