John Mullins, 17, of Islip says he was in the midst of a coaching train for the lifeguard check on Thursday and was about 100 to 150 toes off Ocean Beach on Fire Island. Just like another lifeguard earlier this week in Smith Point, he was enjoying the ‘sufferer’ in that train. That is when Mullins stated he felt one thing on his foot.

“I could’ve lost my foot…just a scary thought,” Mullins stated, “the teeth were like inside my skin, and when I pulled my foot out, it kinda just felt like a scrape – like a rake going up my foot.”

It was similar to veteran lifeguard Zachari Gallo, who was bittn earlier within the week at Smith Point County Beach.

“I felt the rubber texture of the skin, and yeah – it wasn’t a small fish,” Gallo stated.

Both lifeguards have been paradoxically bitten whereas sitting nonetheless within the water – enjoying the sufferer throughout their coaching workout routines – then turning into a sufferer.

Mullins tells Eyewitness News that Gallo’s incident was behind his thoughts when he went out on Thursday. Just one other week earlier than that, yet one more swimmer on Jones Beach was bitten on his proper foot.

“We always talk amongst ourselves, and that we’re like shark bait out there,” Mullins stated.

Those who supervise the lifeguards say the frequency of those current assaults is stunning.

“We just have to do the best we can to patrol, send out the drones. If we see any bait fish – pull in the patrons and make sure that everybody’s safe,” stated Captain Mike Guadi.

“So they’re constantly training on all issues – including sharks, and they are watching,” stated Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Mullins wanted 5 stitches, however the true hurdle is getting over the concern when he heads again to the water.

“I’m gonna continue…it’s definitely gonna be scary, but I should be ok,” Mullins stated.

MORE NEWS: ‘Look at this monster!’: Great white shark spotted along Jersey Shore

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