What’s the Actual Chance of You Getting Attacked by a Shark?
Experts weigh in after two young people were mauled less than two hours apart in North Carolina. (Photo: Shutterstock)
If you go to the beach, it’s probably crossed your mind at least once: Shark attacks can happen.
It’s hard not to think about it since they’re in the news every summer. The latest terrifying story is of two teens who were attacked by sharks on Sunday in two separate incidents along the same stretch of beach in North Carolina.
According to the Associated Press, a 12-year-old girl lost part of her arm and suffered a leg injury, and a 16-year-old boy lost his left arm a little more than an hour later. Even scarier, both were in waist-deep water.
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The most recent attacks weren’t the only ones the area has seen. A shark bit a 13-year-old girl’s foot a few days before, about 15 miles away.
There were 52 reported shark attacks in the U.S. last year, none of which were fatal, says Andrew Nosal, Ph.D., a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. California, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas are where they happen the most often, he says.
While that number seems low when you think about everyone who hops in the ocean each year, any shark attack is one too many. Should we be worried?
Probably not, says John Carlson, Ph.D., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries shark expert. “While we can’t downplay the tragedies that occurred with these teenagers, we have to emphasize that shark attacks are an extremely rare event,” he says.
Carlson also points out that sharks don’t usually seek out humans and only attack when they confuse us for their natural prey.
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However, experts say there are some things you can do to minimize the odds a shark attack will happen to you:
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Don’t Swim Near People Who Are Fishing
People usually use cut bait or live bait in the water, which can potentially attract a shark. “If people are fishing in the area, generally you want to avoid swimming there,” says Carlson.
Swim in Groups
A shark is less likely to attack if there are several people versus one lone person, says Nosal. Also, he points out, if something happens, you have other people who can help get you back to shore.
Don’t Swim at Dusk…or Dawn
Sharks can more easily confuse us for fish when water is cloudy or visibility is poor or low, like first thing in the morning, in the evening, or at night. They’re also the most active at dusk and dawn, says Nosal.
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Leave Your Jewelry In Your Beach Bag
Anklets, toe rings, and bracelets are all no-nos, says Carlson. Why? They can reflect light in the water, which makes a shark think you’re a wounded fish, a.k.a. lunch.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Rethink Bikini Flair
Shiny beads, glitter, and metallics can act the same way as jewelry in the water. Also, “don’t go for bathing suits that are drastically contrasting in color,” says Carlson (like wearing a light-colored bikini when you have dark skin, or vice versa). All of those can make a shark think you’re a fish.
Hopefully you’ll never see a shark in the water, but if you do, don’t panic and don’t splash at it. “As simply, quickly, and calmly as possible, make your way back to shore,” says Carlson.
Again, shark attacks are rare, but it’s good to be prepared…just in case.
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By Korin Miller
