Shark Attacks in Florida: What You Need to Know

Florida Tops Global Charts for Shark Bites

While the risk of being bitten by a shark is extremely low, Florida tops global charts for the number of shark bites, according to the Florida Museum.

Recent Shark Attacks in Florida

In recent weeks, there have been several shark attacks in Florida.

On Thursday, a 13-year-old girl was bitten by a shark while swimming off the coast of Fort Pierce. The girl bravely fended off the shark and is recovering from her injuries.

A second shark attack occurred near Inlet Beach, about 4 miles east of the first incident. A 45-year-old woman was bitten while swimming in shallow water.

A teenage girl who survived a shark attack at a Florida beach recounted that her first instinct was to punch the fish in the nose.

Beaches Closed After Shark Attacks

Beaches were closed in part of the Florida Panhandle on Friday after two swimmers were injured in reported shark attacks.

Advice for Swimmers

If you are swimming in Florida waters, it is important to be aware of the risk of shark bites. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk:

• Swim in designated areas with a lifeguard present.
• Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
• Do not swim in areas where there are fish or other wildlife that sharks may be attracted to.
• If you see a shark, do not panic. Remain calm and slowly swim away from the area.
• If you are bitten by a shark, seek medical attention immediately.