A 16-year-old Alabama girl, who narrowly survived a brutal shark attack last year, is urging state lawmakers to support a new alert system aimed at keeping beachgoers safe. Lulu Gribbin was one of three victims attacked by a shark on June 7, 2024, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. She lost her left hand and part of her leg during the terrifying ordeal. Gribbin hopes a proposed shark attack alert system, similar to Amber Alerts, will help warn the public and prevent future incidents.
The Attack and the Call for Action
Gribbin, now 16, was diving for sand dollars with a friend when a shark struck. They were swimming back to shore when her friend shouted, “Shark!” Gribbin recalled seeing a large shadow and swimming for her life before the shark attacked. “My hand was bitten first, and I remember lifting it out of the water, only to find there was no hand there,” she said. The shark then latched onto her leg, leaving Gribbin with life-threatening injuries.
A man who witnessed the attack rushed to pull Gribbin from the water. She blacked out, waking up on the beach, where medical professionals were already tending to her. “I remember just focusing on keeping my eyes open and breathing,” she said, recalling her intense drive to make it to the hospital.
Proposed Alert System to Prevent Future Attacks
Gribbin’s traumatic experience has led her to support a bill proposed by Alabama Republican Rep. David Faulkner. The bill would establish a shark attack alert system that would notify the public of unprovoked attacks, similar to Amber Alerts. Faulkner believes this system will enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.
Gribbin emphasized the importance of such a system. “Ninety minutes before me, another shark attack occurred a few miles down the coast,” she said. Had she been aware of that earlier attack, she believes she and her friend would have avoided the water that day. She added, “This bill will help prevent future attacks and accidents.”
On Wednesday, the Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee advanced the bill, which now heads to the full Alabama House of Representatives for a vote.
Understanding Shark Attack Statistics
Although shark attacks are extremely rare, they can be deadly. According to Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program, there are between 50 and 90 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide each year. While shark attacks off the Florida Panhandle are not common, Naylor noted that unusual weather conditions that day brought small fish closer to shore, attracting sharks.
Shark attacks, however, remain a rare occurrence in the region. Naylor pointed out that more people die each year from rip currents than from shark attacks. The U.S. Lifesaving Association estimates about 100 deaths annually from rip currents, compared to just four deaths from shark attacks worldwide.
Gribbin’s Journey of Recovery and Inspiration
Gribbin’s lengthy recovery has captured the public’s attention, with many visitors stopping her in the Alabama Statehouse to take photos and express their admiration. Despite the physical and emotional scars left by the attack, Gribbin’s courage and determination have inspired countless others.
Her ongoing recovery journey, which she has shared on social media, serves as a reminder of resilience. “I hope my story can help others find strength,” she said.
The Legislative Process and Future Outlook
The proposed shark attack alert system aims to give beachgoers timely warnings when unprovoked shark attacks occur. While the bill would initially impact the Alabama coastline, Faulkner hopes that other states will adopt similar measures, or that federal legislation will eventually expand the system nationwide.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has voiced her support for the bill, calling it an important step toward enhancing public safety. “This will be an added tool to help keep people safe,” Ivey said. She also praised Gribbin for her bravery, calling her “an inspiration and an awesome example of courage.”
The original version of the bill would have issued alerts for “imminent danger” from sharks, but this language raised concerns from beach communities. Critics argued that too many alerts could cause unnecessary panic and harm the tourism industry. As a result, the bill was revised to limit alerts to cases of unprovoked attacks only.
A Step Towards Safer Beaches
As the bill moves forward, the hope is that it will not only protect swimmers but also raise awareness about the dangers of sharks and the need for proactive safety measures. Gribbin’s tragic experience has spurred action, and lawmakers are responding with a potential solution that could save lives in the future.
