Alligator in Atlantic Ocean sends Florida swimmers scrambling
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An alligator floating in the Atlantic Ocean sent swimmers scrambling off Ormond-By-the Sea near Daytona Beach.
Erin Smith of Tallahassee told The Daytona Beach News-Journal she first thought a piece of carpet was floating nearby as she and her family waded in the ocean on Monday morning
But soon a man farther out on the sandbar let them know it was an alligator and everyone headed for the beach.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As lifeguards got everyone out of the water, the gator vanished under the water.
Wildlife officials say alligators prefer fresh water, but can tolerate salt water for a few hours, or even a few days.
The newspaper says two small gators were sighted on nearby beaches in Daytona Beach Shore and Ormond Beach.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Swimmers eventually returned to the surf.