Surfing Banned Due To Shark Attacks

Authorities have banned surfing at a popular beach resort in northeastern Brazil because of shark attacks.

The ban begins today at nine beaches around Recife, 1,500 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro.

There have been 11 shark attacks around Recife in the past year. On Dec. 2, a surfer died of a shark bite to his thigh.

In the latest attack, a 17-year-old was bitten Monday on the foot as he swam for shore 100 feet from the beach.

The ban, which includes windsurfing, kayaking and body-boarding, is expected to last about four months, the duration of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Scientists believe one or two sharks, possibly tiger or “lixa” sharks, are responsible for the attacks. During the summer, they swim closer to shore to give birth.