Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sand, sea, and surf. To have fun safely, it’s important to manage your fears so they don’t ruin your vacation.
If you’ve seen the movie Jaws (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week), you might think, “I’ll stick to the pool,” or “Better stay in the boat.”
However, avoiding the ocean may limit your experience. Similar to avoiding a European trip because of fear of flying, or skipping camping due to snake fears.
Yes, there are risks: sharks, plane crashes, snake bites, or even jaws-sized predators. But statistically, the chances of these happening are much lower than common risks like heart disease, cancer, or car accidents.
I realize this sounds bold, but consider this: I catch venomous snakes for a living and spearfish striped bass in dangerous waters. My risk perspective might be a little different!
Still, calculated risks are part of life’s adventure. Swimming in the ocean has dangers, with sharks among them.
Here are three rules to enjoy the ocean safely while keeping the fun:
1. Know All Ocean Risks, Not Just Sharks
Summer is the best time for the beach and surf. But don’t let irrational fears spoil it.
Remember, Jaws is just one part of the story. There are many other risks involved in ocean activities.
Don’t let fear stop you from enjoying the water. Frame your experience around awareness and preparedness.
Ready to make your next vacation unforgettable? Book your trip with MWR LIFE today and enjoy the beach, sea, and surf with confidence!
Sharks have a fearsome reputation, but they cause far fewer deaths globally than rip currents, jellyfish, or sun exposure. Understanding the real risks helps you enjoy the ocean safely.
What is the biggest risk when swimming in the ocean? The answer is drowning. In the U.S., the chance of drowning is about one in three million. In comparison, the chance of a deadly shark bite is less than one in 264 million. That’s vastly lower. Keep this in mind next time a Jaws scene pops into your head while wading into the surf.
The best way to prevent drowning is to swim at a guarded beach. Always follow this rule.
Interestingly, sharks are not the most common cause of death among marine wildlife and humans. Jellyfish kill around 50 people per year, while sharks cause only 5-10 deaths annually. However, jellyfish stings are mostly a problem in northern Australia and Southeast Asia, where deadly box jellyfish reside.
Rip currents are another danger—more deadly than sharks. They cause over 80% of rescues by beach lifeguards. These fast-moving water channels can quickly pull even strong swimmers away from shore.
Other risks include sunburn and heatstroke, which can spoil your vacation. To stay safe and enjoy your time, stay aware of the weather, hydrate often, use reef-safe sunscreen, and learn how to identify rip currents.
Knowing the facts about ocean risks ensures a fun and safe beach experience.
2. Not All Beaches Have An Equal Shark Attack Risk
You can read this article if you’re interested to know exactly where most shark attacks take place, but I’ll provide you with the cliff notes here. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) provides detailed, publicly accessible records of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. In the United States, certain counties stand out for higher-than-average shark activity – due to a combination of factors like warm water, active surf communities and high marine biodiversity.
Volusia County, Florida, leads the list with 351 recorded attacks, particularly around New Smyrna Beach, nicknamed the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” The nearby Brevard County has logged 158 attacks.
Further down the Florida coast, Palm Beach County (83 attacks), Martin County (41 attacks), St. Lucie County (39 attacks), and St. Johns County (45 attacks) also make the list. Each of these areas is a popular beach destination, increasing the chances of incidental encounters between people and sharks.
Hawaii features heavily, too, with Maui County (75 attacks), Oahu County (42 attacks), and Kauai County (33). These islands host vibrant marine ecosystems and strong surfing cultures, which naturally lead to a higher rate of contact with sharks, especially tiger sharks.
South Carolina’s Charleston County (40 attacks) and Horry County (36 attacks) have also seen their share of incidents, as have places like Duval County, Florida and Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Still, it’s crucial to remember that even in these “higher risk” zones, shark attacks remain incredibly rare and often non-fatal. In fact, many of the injuries are minor, involving quick bite-and-release behavior from a curious or confused shark.
3. Always Swim On A Guarded Beach
Swimming at a lifeguard-monitored beach is the single most effective step you can take for ocean safety.
The single most important thing you can do to stay safe when going to the beach is to stay near the lifeguards and always swim between the flags. These designated swim areas are monitored constantly, and lifeguards are trained to respond rapidly to any kind of emergency, whether it’s a rip current, medical issue or wildlife concern.
Guarded beaches are also far more likely to close temporarily if a shark is spotted, ensuring that you aren’t in the water when one is actively hunting or patrolling nearby. In addition, lifeguards often have access to real-time information about water quality, tides, jellyfish blooms and other hazards that the average beachgoer wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.
If you’re unfamiliar with a beach, check local advisories before entering the water and don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
