Anyone who has ever seen the movie Jaws (which turns 50 this week) has probably thought at one point or another “Nah, I’ll stick to the pool today” or “We’d better stay in the boat and save the swim for another time.”
In many ways, this thinking comes at the cost of having a great time. It’s akin to saying something like, “No, I don’t want to take that European vacation because I’m too scared to get on a plane” or “I’d rather not go camping because I’m afraid of getting bit by a snake.”
Sure, there’s the possibility that you die in a plane crash, get bit by a snake, or get eaten by a Jaws-size great white shark. But there’s also the risk that you develop heart disease, contract cancer, or die in a car accident. I don’t have to tell you which outcome is more likely.
This might come off as a bit insensitive. But, keep in mind that you’re reading a column by a guy who catches venomous snakes for a living and, in his spare time, spearfishes striped bass in one of the most dangerous inlets on the eastern seaboard. (At some point I’ll tell you about all the amazing sharks I’ve seen while spearfishing, but I’ll save that for another article.) Suffice it to say that my risk-odometer is a little different than most.
Of course, like any intelligent human being, I’m a big believer in taking calculated risks. And, yes, swimming in the ocean, any ocean, comes with risks. Sharks are absolutely one of those risks.
Here are three rules to help you manage ocean risks, while doing so in a way that preserves your ability to have a good time.
1. Be Aware Of All Ocean Risks, Not Just Those Posed By Sharks
Do you know what the biggest risk of ocean swimming is? It’s not a trick question. The answer is drowning. The likelihood of drowning in the ocean in the United States is about one in three million. The odds of experiencing a deadly shark bite is less than one in 264 million. We’re talking about orders of magnitude here. Keep this fact in mind the next time a scary Jaws scene pops into your head while wading knee-deep into the whitecaps.
The single best way to avoid drowning is to swim at a guarded beach. Don’t break this rule.
Furthermore, the odds of being attacked and killed by a shark isn’t even the most common cause of death among marine wildlife and human encounters. Jellyfish, for example, are reported to kill about 50 people per year while sharks only kill 5-10 people per year. That said, fatalities from jellyfish stings are generally more geographically restricted than shark attacks, occurring mostly in northern Australia and Southeast Asia where the deadly box jellyfish is found.
Rip currents are another danger – far more deadly than sharks. They account for over 80% of rescues performed by beach lifeguards. These fast-moving channels of water can pull even strong swimmers away from shore.
Additionally, sunburn and heatstroke are also common beach-related health issues that can ruin a vacation. Being mindful of the weather, staying hydrated, using reef-safe sunscreen and knowing how to identify a rip current are all practical ways to minimize risk while maximizing enjoyment.
2. Not All Beaches Have An Equal Shark Attack Risk
You can read this article if you’re interested to know exactly where most shark attacks take place, but I’ll provide you with the cliff notes here. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) provides detailed, publicly accessible records of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. In the United States, certain counties stand out for higher-than-average shark activity – due to a combination of factors like warm water, active surf communities and high marine biodiversity.
Volusia County, Florida, leads the list with 351 recorded attacks, particularly around New Smyrna Beach, nicknamed the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” The nearby Brevard County has logged 158 attacks.
Further down the Florida coast, Palm Beach County (83 attacks), Martin County (41 attacks), St. Lucie County (39 attacks), and St. Johns County (45 attacks) also make the list. Each of these areas is a popular beach destination, increasing the chances of incidental encounters between people and sharks.
Hawaii features heavily, too, with Maui County (75 attacks), Oahu County (42 attacks), and Kauai County (33). These islands host vibrant marine ecosystems and strong surfing cultures, which naturally lead to a higher rate of contact with sharks, especially tiger sharks.
South Carolina’s Charleston County (40 attacks) and Horry County (36 attacks) have also seen their share of incidents, as have places like Duval County, Florida and Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Still, it’s crucial to remember that even in these “higher risk” zones, shark attacks remain incredibly rare and often non-fatal. In fact, many of the injuries are minor, involving quick bite-and-release behavior from a curious or confused shark.
3. Always Swim On A Guarded Beach
The single most important thing you can do to stay safe when going to the beach is to stay near the lifeguards and always swim between the flags. These designated swim areas are monitored constantly, and lifeguards are trained to respond rapidly to any kind of emergency, whether it’s a rip current, medical issue or wildlife concern.
Guarded beaches are also far more likely to close temporarily if a shark is spotted, ensuring that you aren’t in the water when one is actively hunting or patrolling nearby. In addition, lifeguards often have access to real-time information about water quality, tides, jellyfish blooms and other hazards that the average beachgoer wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.
If you’re unfamiliar with a beach, check local advisories before entering the water and don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
Wondering how afraid you are of sharks, and other dangerous creatures, compared to others? Take the Sensation Seeking Scale for a science-backed answer.
