6 tips for avoiding shark attacks at Florida beaches
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Walton County sheriff's deputies patrol the water on June 8 after three people were bitten by sharks. Photo: Walton County Sheriff's Office
Florida officials are encouraging vacationers to "not underestimate the open water" amid fears about shark attacks on the panhandle.
Why it matters: This is the time of year when New Orleanians head to the beach, often in Florida, Mississippi and Alabama.
The big picture: Three people were injured earlier this month in shark attacks in shallow water along 30A between Miramar Beach and Panama City Beach, according to the Pensacola News Journal.
- While sharks are common in panhandle waters, attacks are rare.
- Prior to this month, the most recent shark attacks in Walton County were in 2021 and 2005, CNN says. A Louisiana teen was killed in the 2005 attack.
Zoom in: It's not clear what led to this month's attacks, but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said bait fish are schooling near the shore and that may have been a contributing factor, the Panama City News Herald said.
- After the attack, the Panama City Beach Police Department said they found a "notable presence of sharks, specifically bull sharks," near a sandbar.
- The South Walton Fire District added that beachgoers should "not underestimate the open water and any of the marine life that could be present."
By the numbers: Last year, Florida had 16 unprovoked shark bites, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's annual shark attack report.
- Historically, the Atlantic side has more shark attacks than the Gulf side.
Threat level: Here are tips from authorities and shark experts about how to avoid a shark attack.
🚩 Check the flags. Double red means the water is closed. Here's what all the flags mean.
🛟 Swim near a lifeguard.
🤝 Swim in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals.
🌙 Don't swim at twilight or in the dark, which are the most active times for sharks.
🏖️ Be careful near sandbars. They are popular shark hangouts.
💎 Avoid shiny jewelry in the water because it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
Meanwhile, surf conditions from Tropical Storm Alberto are causing more problems than sharks this week.
- South Walton beaches were closed for a few days due to life-threatening rip currents and large swells in addition to the shark threat.
Bottom line: Check beach conditions before getting in the water and stay aware of your surroundings, whether that's sharks, jellyfish or riptides.
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