The movie "Jaws" terrorized hundreds of thousands of Americans years ago, causing many to give up swimming in the ocean.

But that scare has gradually mostly faded away and people worldwide have been getting back into the salty brine at beaches all around the globe.

Are we really safer now that there has been so much awareness of the potential dangers of shark bite and other ocean problems?

Perhaps, but vacationers to some Florida beaches are still far more likely to incur a shark bite than at other beaches around the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF, http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/ISAF/ISAF.htm), a Florida-based organization, and from other data from various sources.

New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Fla., just south of Daytona Beach, is the shark attack capital of the world, according to ISIA.

“Most people who have swum in and around New Smyrna have been within 10 feet of a shark in their lifetime,” says George Burgess, an ichthyologist and fisheries biologist at the University of Florida who maintains the ISAF.



North America is home to dozens of beaches like New Smyrna where swimmers and sharks intermix, even though the humans may never know it. When the rare attack happens, Burgess says, it's usually a predatory mistake. “In the surf zone, where many attacks happen, sharks need to make quick decisions,” he says. “Humans on surfboards — hands splashing, feet kicking — can trigger a shark to think there's trouble or a wounded animal, and it looks like an easy meal.”

With its thousands of miles of coastlines and millions of beach goers, the United States sees more shark-human interaction than any other country. Search the ISAF database and you'll find incidents at beaches from South Carolina to Oregon.



While the risk of a shark attack is statistically small, people continue to be attacked and swimmers need to know how to minimize their risk. Here are some tips to consider when you are taking a dip in the ocean:

Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.

Do not wander too far from shore --- this isolates an individual and additionally places one far away from assistance.

Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage.

Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating --- a shark's olfactory ability is acute.

Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.

Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.


Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks --- both often eat the same food items.

Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing --- sharks see contrast particularly well.

Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements.

Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep dropoffs --- these are favorite hangouts for sharks.

Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while there. And, of course, do not harass a shark if you see one!


There are other concerns about visiting a beach, as well, so consider these situations:

Pollution: Hacks Point Beach, Kent County, Md./Beachwood Beach West, Ocean County, N.J.

According to the National Research Defense Council, an environmental action group, these two beaches had the highest percentage of samples exceeding U.S. health standards in 2006.

Jellyfish Attacks: Northern Australia

The coast of Northern Australia serves as a home to chironex fleckeri, also known as the box jellyfish, which has caused 60 deaths in the last 100 years, according the Center for Disease Control, Australia. While fatalities are rare, about 40 people are hospitalized each year in the Northern Territory. Last year, a 6-year-old boy died in the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin.

Lightning: Florida

Florida tops off the list as the most dangerous spot for lightning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Between 1997 and 2006, there were 71 deaths caused by lightning in Florida, more than any other state. Popular beaches such as New Smyrna and Clearwater are often evacuated and then closed for days because of the threat of lightning.

Boating Accidents: Florida

Data by county or beach is not available, but according to the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division, the state of Florida reported 633 boating accidents and 68 fatalities in 2006, the highest number of any state in the country with more people actively involved in boating in Florida.

Rip Current Drowning: Brevard County, Florida

In 2007, 10 people drowned in Brevard County due to the rip current alone, according to the United States Life Saving Association

This story was published on 30 May 2009.