Shark Sightings Rise But Attacks Remain Rare Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Public HealthNews Shark Sightings Rise But Attacks Remain RareDon’t let fear stop you from cooling off in the ocean this summer. Following basic safety protocols can minimize your chances of encountering a shark. By Rachael RobertsonJuly 25, 2022Fact-CheckedA shark sighting on July 22 temporarily shut down Rockaway Beach in New York City.Lokman Vural Elibol/Getty ImagesSharks have been spotted in unusual numbers along the East Coast and the coast of California this summer — and, in a few nonfatal instances, they have bitten people. In June, a swimmer in Monterey Bay, California, survived a great white shark bite after being rescued by surfers. Last week, a surfer on Long Island, New York, became the sixth person bitten by a shark in the area in three weeks. Beaches in Massachusetts, Florida, the San Francisco Bay Area, and even New York City have been shut down temporarily (until the sharks swam away). “During the summer, especially on the East Coast, is when a lot of sharks’ prey species are closer to the coast — hence why you have more sightings,” says Nia Burnett, a marine scientist, graduate student, and senior fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program. Plus, as oceans warm with climate change, some fish species are moving northward, potentially luring the sharks that feed on them. Despite the surprising number of shark sightings, attacks remain extremely rare, Burnett notes. Sharks kill fewer than a dozen humans globally each year. In 2021, there were only 11 deaths from shark attacks globally and 73 attacks in total. Are Sharks Out to Get Us It’s a pervasive myth, often linked to the Hollywood hit Jaws, that sharks are malicious. In fact, sharks are mostly curious, and occasionally that goes badly. People are not part of a shark’s diet nor what they like eating. “Unfortunately, just like how babies investigate with their hands, sharks investigate with their teeth,” says Burnett. After figuring out that something isn’t food, sharks will leave. How Can You Protect Yourself From Sharks While the risk of a deadly shark attack is minimal, you may feel safer knowing a few safety protocols. Here, Burnett offers some guidelines to follow. 1 Pay Attention to Signs and Lifeguards If there have been sightings of sharks, the beach will likely have signage alerting you to potentially dangerous situations. Lifeguards watch for sharks and will call swimmers back toward the shore who are too far out. 2 Don t Swim in Fishing Areas Sharks follow their food source, which includes fish. Plus, many people who fish use baited hooks and chum, which can also attract sharks. Avoid swimming in fishing areas, which can attract predators of all kinds. And don’t be the jerk who throws chum into the ocean at a swimming beach. 3 Stick With the Crowd When you are surrounded by other people, you stick out less and have an even lower chance of curious critters interacting with you. If a lifeguard tells you to come closer to shore, where other people are congregating, it’s for your own safety. 4 Whatever You Do Don t Freak Out If you see a shark: Do. Not. Panic. Keep the shark in your sight line and swim toward the shore — calmly. Don’t thrash around or suddenly swim much faster, since that will draw more attention to you. In the extremely unlikely event that a shark bites you, poke it in the eyes and gills to get it to go away. Signal for help and do your best to swim to shore. 5 Don t Let Fear Stop You From Swimming Don’t let the fear of sharks stop you from cooling off and enjoying the water. More than half of all sharks don’t grow bigger than four feet, and humans are the biggest ocean predator, killing a hundred million sharks a year. Follow common sense at the beach and you should be okay. “Be aware and pay attention, but you can still enjoy yourself at the beach,” Burnett says. “And remember that we are entering their homes when we enjoy ourselves in the ocean.” NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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