A man who jumped in to stop a shark from attacking his pregnant fiancée is facing a long recovery after being bitten.
Jacorey High was on a week-long holiday with his fiancée, who is expecting their first child, at Daytona Beach, Florida, when they visited the ocean on July 25.
Around 5.30pm local time, the 21-year-old was in waist-deep water and did not see the shark coming before it attacked him on the foot.
Mr High recounted the incident to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, saying he did see it swimming towards him for round two.
“My first thought was to push my pregnant girlfriend towards the shore, to keep her away from the shark,” he said.
The second time the shark attacked, it went for his arm, but Mr High punched it and pushed it away.
As the couple desperately tried to get to shore, the shark tried to attack his foot again but failed to bite.
The rush of adrenaline meant that Mr High did not initially understand the extent of his injuries, but collapsed when he made it to the lifeguard tower.
“It was just shocking,” he said.
“The shark tore up my left foot.
“It tore up all the ligaments and tendons from my upper left ankle down to the middle bottom of my foot.”
He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
He was discharged two days later on July 27, at which point he was still unable to walk and put pressure on his injured foot.
Mr High told the News-Journal that he would be unable to work for at least three months while his foot recovered; yet, expensive medical bills would continue to arrive.
“The doctor told me it will be a three-month recovery at least,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough not being able to work.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Mr High as his family navigate the long and expensive recovery.
Since launching 24 hours ago, it has raised more than $US1000 ($A1431).
In its description, the fundraiser said that Mr High’s life was “changed forever” in “a matter of seconds”.
“While enjoying a day at the beach with his fiancée, Jacorey instinctively stepped in to protect her when a medium-sized shark approached,” it read.
“In doing so, Jacorey was attacked, suffering severe injuries to his foot.
“Despite the excruciating pain and significant blood loss, he found the strength to run for help, a courageous act that ultimately helped save his life.”
It said that Mr High’s family were facing the “emotional and financial burden” of medical expenses and any donations would be appreciated.
“His recovery will be long and challenging, requiring multiple treatments, rehabilitation, and an extended time away from work with no clear timeline for his return.”
Mr High said he would not return to the ocean after the life-changing incident.
“I will not go back into the ocean,” he said.
“I love the ocean, but I am going to start going to the mountains now.”
The species of shark has not yet been determined.
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