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4 people bitten by marine animals in Virginia Beach's Sandbridge, officials say

According to Brigade Chief Cat Watson, all four incidents occurred between last Thursday and this past Sunday.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — There's a mystery in the waters along the Virginia Beach coast. EMS crews say that animals bit people in the ocean in Sandbridge.

According to Brigade Chief Cat Watson, all four incidents occurred between last Thursday and this past Sunday. Each victim had minor injuries.

Watson said health officials aren’t able to confirm what marine life bit them but remind folks that the waters in Sandbridge and the entire ocean are home to many creatures.

“There are schools of fish,” Watson told 13News Now. “There's jellyfish, there's stingrays, there's pods of dolphins and there's also just all kinds of different kinds of fish.”

While Watson said there are no dangers to swimmers in Sandbridge, there are a few things people should keep in mind when swimming in the ocean.

“You want to make sure you heard the heed the warnings of lifeguards and if you see a large group of school of fish swimming in the ocean, we recommend not swimming in the middle of that,” Watson said. “Additionally, you know, if you see a pot of dolphins that's also not safe to go swim with the dolphins. You want to respect marine life.”  

Watson said if you are bitten or attacked by wildlife in the ocean, the best move is to call 911.

“If you're in a guarded area, of course you know, just wave for help from a lifeguard and they'll be able to provide immediate assistance,” Watson said.

Virginia Beach EMS says when you call 9-1-1 look for the red and white, tall 2x4s that have the block number painted on them to help find you more quickly. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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