When was the last shark attack in Sarasota, Manatee County? Here are 4 ways to stay safe.
A 10-foot great white shark named Rose has paid Sarasota’s warm waters a visit on Tuesday, but when was the last time the area saw a shark attack?
While there’s a one in 4,332,817 chance someone may be involved in a fatal shark attack, the number of attacks is highly influenced by the number of people who are entering the water, according to the International Shark Attack File.
There were 69 documented shark attacks around the globe in 2023. Less than a fourth of that number were injured after people purposely interacted with a shark. The U.S. led the world with 36 attacks and Florida again was the state with the most bites at 16.
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Since 1882, there have been seven shark attacks in Sarasota County, and there have been five shark attacked in Manatee County, according to the ISAF.
When was the last shark attack in Sarasota County?
The last shark attack was in Siesta Key in December 2020. A 39-year-old man was swimming when his arm and hand were bitten. The man walked home afterward but continued to bleed profusely. Paramedics were called, and he was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
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When was the last shark attack in Manatee County?
The last shark attack in Manatee County was in Anna Maria Island in July 2023. A 22-year-old was boating with friends when the shark bit him in the leg, according to WFTS Tampa Bay. The man was left with non-life-threatening injuries.
Most bites are associated with water sports.
According to the ISAF 2023 shark attack report, 42% of bites were on those who were surfing or participating in a board sport; 39% of bites were on those who were swimming or wading, 13% of bites were on those who were snorkeling or free diving and 6% of bites were attributed to other activities.
What type of shark is the most likely to attack humans?
The top three shark species that have been linked in shark attacks across the world include the: White Shark at 351 total attacks, Tiger Shark at 142 attacks and the Bull Shark at 119 attacks.
However, the Blacktip Shark accounts for the majority of bites in Florida, according to the ISAF.
What to do if you see a shark in the water?
Here are some tips from the International Shark Attack File to minimize any potential shark encounters:
Swim with a buddy. Sharks are more likely to attack individuals instead of a group.
Stay close to shore.
Don’t swim around school of fish or where people are fishing.
Avoid wearing jewelry.
If a shark gets near you in the water:
Maintain eye contact with the shark.
Slowly move away, and exit the water, if possible.
Avoid excess splashing.
If a shark tries to bite you:
Hit the shark in the eyes and gills – these are sensitive areas for the shark.
Hit the shark on the snout and push it away.
Most shark attacks happen in Florida
There were 69 documented shark attacks around the globe in 2023. The U.S. led the world with 36 attacks and Florida again was the state with the most bites at 16.
Florida shark attacks by county:
Miami-Dade County: 1
Pinellas County: 1
While the U.S. has the most attacks, South Africa has the most shark-related fatalities.
Contributing: Kim Luciani, USA Today
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: When was the last shark attack in Sarasota, Manatee County? Here's what to know.
