safety
Shark attack on Alabama teen inspires the start of a national alert system
By Kim Chandler, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life.What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 mile...
Key takeaway What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 miles (4.
Why this matters in The Pearland
For Pearland residents who frequent the Gulf Coast beaches, the new federal legislation authorizing emergency alerts for shark attacks is a welcome development. As a community within the Houston area, many Pearland families spend their summers swimming and surfing in nearby coastal towns, where shark sightings can occur. The implementation of a shark attack alert system, as seen in Alabama, could potentially save lives in Texas as well. With the Federal Communications Commission now required to allow these emergency messages, it is up to state authorities to put the system in place. As Texas considers implementing its own warning system, Pearland residents can expect to receive timely alerts on their mobile phones if a shark attack occurs in their vicinity, providing them with crucial information to make informed decisions about their beach activities. This proactive approach to public safety can help prevent tragedies like Lulu Gribbin's and ensure a safer beach experience for everyone.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life.What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 mile...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kim Chandler, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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