Are shark attacks increasing?

(NewsNation) — A series of shark attacks in Texas and Florida has people questioning whether it’s safe to go into the water. But while shark attacks have increased in number, they’re still rare.

The number of unprovoked shark attacks increased in 2023, and the number of fatalities doubled. However, the numbers remain low: there were 69 shark attacks and 11 fatalities worldwide in 2023. This is an increase from the average of 63 attacks in previous years and five fatalities in 2022.

Considering how many people go into the ocean each year, getting bitten by a shark is pretty unlikely. The Florida Museum estimates the odds at 1 in 11.5 million. You’re more likely to be killed by a wasp or hornet (1 in 6 million), end up in the emergency room after a pogo stick incident (1 in 115,300), or become President of the United States (1 in 10 million).

Of those 69 shark attacks in 2023, 36 occurred in the United States. Beachgoers in Florida are most likely to be victims of an unprovoked shark attack, followed by Hawaii, California, and South Carolina. Swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers were most commonly attacked in the water.

According to experts, there are two main reasons for the increase in attacks. The shark population has increased dramatically thanks to successful conservation efforts and more people are visiting beaches and going into the water.

Humans are not natural prey for sharks, which eat fish and other marine animals, and most unprovoked shark attacks are the result of confusion or curiosity. Sharks, much like young children, tend to explore the world with their mouths.

There are ways to reduce the risk of an unwanted encounter with a shark. Don’t swim alone, avoid swimming at dusk or dawn as the dim lighting can lead to confusion, and avoid splashes which can sound like the sound of a wriggling fish.

You should also avoid swimming near people who are fishing, as the bait can also attract sharks. Remove jewelry before entering the water, as the flashing light on it can mimic the way light reflects off a fish’s scales.

If you spot a shark in the water, don’t panic. Splashes and quick movements can make you look more like prey. You should also try to maintain eye contact with the shark, as sharks like to ambush their prey. If a shark appears to be in attack mode, trying to look as big as possible can help ward off an attack. However, if a shark is simply swimming by, you should try to make yourself small so you don’t seem like a threat.

If a shark attacks, don’t play dead. Instead, experts advise fighting back by targeting sensitive areas like gills or eyes and using whatever you have on you, such as a snorkel, as an improvised weapon.