MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Lifeguards near Myrtle Beach State Pier had to clear the water Tuesday when they spotted a Blacktip reef shark near the shore, according to WTVD.
Beachgoer Nicki Welch-Hudson shot the footage of the shark. Welch-Hudson is studying marine science at Coastal Carolina University and was excited to see the shark migrating north.
Welch-Hudson added she posted the video online to not spread panic about its proximity to the shore, but rather to raise awareness.
“I’m hoping that tourists seeing the video will respect our oceans a little more,” Welch-Hudson said. “I heard lots of people on the beach attempting to say the shark wasn’t dangerous, one man even said he would jump in and ‘punch the shark,’ that angered me of course.”
Welch-Hudson said lifeguards were able to clear the water without injury and without causing widespread panic.