As beach season kicks off, there have already been seven reported shark attacks and one death in U.S. waters this year. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, sightings of these apex predators are increasing. Experts point to warming oceans, which are pushing these cold-blooded creatures closer to the coastlines.
Additionally, there’s a growing shark population, which can be attributed to an increase in available food.
“We’ve fixed the prey base. We no longer kill seals and sea lions for their fur and oil, so the sharks have more food… More marine life means more sharks,” explains Forrest Galante, an organizer associated with Shark Week.
Galante also notes that seals, which favor basking near the shore, are often seen as “meat sausage-like snacks,” inadvertently drawing sharks into shallower waters.
Last year marked a record 65 unprovoked shark attacks globally, with the U.S. accounting for 25 of those incidents. Alongside that, there were 12 unexplained shark-related fatalities, which is a significant increase from just four in the previous year. Typically, the U.S. sees about one shark-related death per year.
Tragically, Arlene Lillis, a 56-year-old from Minnesota, was killed in January while vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands when a shark attacked, severing her arm. Witnesses described her screams as harrowing. Attempts to rush her to the hospital were sadly in vain, as she succumbed to her injuries.
Recently, a Navy employee was also injured severely during a shark attack in Panama City, Florida, while swimming on his lunch break. In New York, a swimmer suffered serious injuries at Long Island’s Jones Beach, with lifeguards suspecting a tiger shark was responsible.
Galante suggests that the perceived danger largely comes from great whites, which dominate public fear partly due to the movie “Jaws.” However, he points out that bull sharks statistically cause more attacks and should not be underestimated. This was underscored recently when Rockaway Beach was closed over the holiday weekend due to bull shark sightings.
On the West Coast, two surfers have already reported non-fatal injuries this year just north of San Francisco, and more encounters are likely due to an expected “super” El Niño, which alters marine conditions and behavior.
As for safety recommendations, Galante emphasizes that swimmers should avoid areas where fishermen are cleaning catches, refrain from entering the water at dawn or dusk, and stay clear of places where seals gather.
Tips for Staying Safe This Summer
- No glitter: Avoid wearing jewelry or other shiny objects in the water. Sharks may mistake these for injured fish, especially in murky conditions. Bright contrasts, like tan lines or light soles, can attract them as well.
- Choose your moment: Swimming during the day is safest because visibility decreases at dawn and dusk. Additionally, avoid areas where schools of fish are present to lessen chances of encounters.
- Swim smartly: Stay close to lifeguards and avoid swimming alone or venturing too far out. Lifeguards are positioned to respond quickly if necessary.
- Stay calm: If you see a shark, remain calm and swim calmly back to shore. Most shark encounters don’t result in harm, as humans are not usually their preferred prey.
