As three Florida beachgoers recover from shark attacks on Friday, many are wondering where shark ... [+]
Tragically, three beachgoers were attacked by sharks this weekend in Walton County, a 26-mile stretch of coastline on the Florida panhandle. One adult woman lost part of her left arm in an attack that occurred shortly before two teenage girls were injured in a separate nearby incident. One of the girls also had her hand removed as well as part of her leg. Fortunately, no one was killed in either incident.
Events like these remind us of the dangers inherent to beach activities. And, while shark attacks are nowhere near as prevalent as other ocean tragedies such as drownings, they are still something to take seriously–especially in high-risk pockets of the United States.
Thankfully, the International Shark Attack File provides us with comprehensive data to know where shark attacks are most likely to occur. Here are the 12 counties in the United States with the most recorded shark attacks. It’s important to know that beach safety protocols, including lifeguard vigilance and public education initiatives, are in place to ensure the well-being of beachgoers in all of these counties.
1. Volusia County, Florida (351 Recorded Attacks)
An aerial view of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Volusia County, situated along the east coast of Florida, has gained notoriety for its relatively high frequency of shark attacks, particularly in areas like New Smyrna Beach. Known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” Volusia County has recorded numerous incidents over the years. Factors such as the county's extensive coastline, warm waters and abundant marine life contribute to this reputation.
2. Brevard County, Florida (158 Recorded Attacks)
Late afternoon aerial view of Cocoa Beach in Central Florida just east of Orlando, with the Atlantic ... [+]
Brevard County, adjacent to Volusia County along Florida’s east coast, also sees its share of shark encounters, albeit to a lesser extent than its neighboring county. With popular beaches like Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, Brevard County attracts beachgoers year-round, increasing the likelihood of interactions with sharks. While shark attacks are infrequent in Brevard County in an absolute sense, they do occur sporadically.
3. Palm Beach County, Florida (83 Recorded Attacks)
The port of Palm Beach, Florida.
Palm Beach County, nestled along Florida's southeastern coast, experiences occasional shark encounters, though they are relatively rare compared to some other regions of the state. With its picturesque beaches, including Palm Beach and Boca Raton, the county attracts both locals and tourists, increasing the likelihood of interactions with marine life.
4. Maui County, Hawaii (75 Recorded Attacks)
Rainbow over Ho'okipa Beach Park, a famous surf spot on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii.
Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, is known for its stunning beaches and abundant marine life, including sharks. Maui's North Shore, particularly areas like Ho'okipa Beach Park and Pe'ahi (Jaws), has seen some incidents due to its popularity among surfers and its proximity to deeper waters where sharks may hunt. Despite these occurrences, the local community emphasizes ocean safety measures, including shark awareness programs and beach closures when necessary, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors enjoying Maui's coastal waters.
5. Duval County, Florida (46 Recorded Attacks)
The boardwalk to the beach at Neptune Beach, Florida.
Duval County, situated in northeastern Florida and encompassing the city of Jacksonville, experiences relatively few shark attacks compared to other coastal areas in the state. While shark encounters can occur along its stretches of coastline, including popular beaches such as Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach, they are infrequent and generally minor. Lifeguards and beach authorities remain vigilant, and occasional sightings prompt temporary beach closures to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
6. St. Johns County, Florida (45 Recorded Attacks)
Sunrise over the beach in St. Augustine, Florida.
St. Johns County, located on Florida's northeast coast and home to attractions like St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, experiences occasional shark encounters. In 2020, for instance, a teen was bitten on the foot by a 4-5 foot shark (species unknown) while surfing in St. Augustine beach. The bite happened in the afternoon.
7. Oahu County, Hawaii (42 Recorded Attacks)
Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
With world-renowned beaches like Waikiki and the North Shore, Oahu attracts surfers, snorkelers and swimmers year-round, increasing the likelihood of interactions with marine life. While shark attacks on Oahu's beaches are infrequent, incidents have occurred, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of ocean enthusiasts. Lifeguards, marine biologists and local authorities work diligently to monitor shark activity and implement safety measures, including beach closures when necessary, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors enjoying Oahu's coastal waters.
8. Martin County, Florida (41 Recorded Attacks)
Aerial view of the coastline of Stuart, Florida.
Martin County, located on Florida's southeast coast, experiences occasional shark encounters, though they are relatively rare compared to neighboring counties. With its beautiful beaches, such as Jensen Beach and Stuart Beach, Martin County attracts beachgoers for swimming, surfing and fishing. In 2021, a man was bitten on his lower left leg while swimming at Jensen Beach.
9. Charleston County, South Carolina (40 Recorded Attacks)
Folly Beach Pier near Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston County, located along the picturesque coastline of South Carolina, experiences occasional shark encounters. With its charming beaches such as Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, Charleston County attracts beach enthusiasts for swimming, surfing and fishing. While shark attacks in Charleston County are infrequent, they do happen.
10. St. Lucie County, Florida (39 Recorded Attacks)
A panorama of the inlet at Fort Pierce, Florida.
St. Lucie County, located on Florida's southeastern coast, experiences occasional shark encounters, though not as many as other areas of the Florida coast. With its pristine beaches like Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and South Beach Park, St. Lucie County attracts beachgoers for swimming, surfing and fishing. Last year, a 13-year-old girl received more than a dozen stitches after fighting off a presumed bull shark attack at Fort Pierce.
11. Horry County, South Carolina (36 Recorded Attacks)
An aerial view of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Horry County, situated along the scenic coast of South Carolina, experiences occasional shark encounters, though they are relatively rare compared to other coastal regions in the southeastern part of the United States. With its renowned beaches such as Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, Horry County attracts beach enthusiasts for swimming, surfing and sunbathing.
12. Kauai County, Hawaii (33 Recorded Attacks)
Na Pali Coast, Kauai.
Kauai County, encompassing the enchanting island of Kauai in Hawaii, experiences occasional shark encounters. With its breathtaking beaches like Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay, Kauai attracts beachgoers for snorkeling, surfing and relaxation. As with the other coastal counties, lifeguards, marine biologists and local authorities work diligently to monitor shark activity and implement safety measures, including beach closures when necessary, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors enjoying Kauai's stunning beaches.
The California, Texas and North Carolina coasts also have a heightened risk of shark attacks, although not quite to the extent as the beaches mentioned above. In California, San Diego and Humboldt counties clock the most attacks, with 20 and 17 recorded, respectively. Galveston county in Texas has witnessed 19 shark attacks while Brunswick County, North Carolina has recorded 18 shark attacks in its history.
