In July 2026, John Schweizer, a retired financial adviser from Niantic, Connecticut, experienced a terrifying shark attack while snorkeling in the Bahamas during his 40th wedding anniversary trip. The incident occurred when a shark unexpectedly grabbed his left leg, pulling him underwater briefly before releasing him. Schweizer managed to return to the tour boat, where crew members quickly assisted him, using towels and tourniquets to control the bleeding. He was later treated by a doctor who spent three hours stitching his injuries and ensuring there was no infection. In addition to the bite on his leg, Schweizer also sustained injuries to one hand, likely from the shark's teeth or dorsal fin. After receiving initial treatment, he was transported to a hospital in Miami for further care. Despite the traumatic experience, Schweizer expressed gratitude that the shark did not target his wife or sons, who were also on the trip. He stated that he would not consider swimming with sharks again. This incident is part of a broader trend, as there have been 32 verified shark attack bites worldwide in 2026, which is significantly lower than the 65 confirmed unprovoked shark bites in 2025. The New York area has seen a rise in shark sightings and encounters, leading to beach closures from Long Island to The Rockaways. As of late July 2026, authorities have advised caution regarding swimming in affected waters.