Florida beaches claim 9 of top 10 spots for most shark attacks in America, new study shows
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Florida beaches dominated a list of the top 10 U.S. beaches with shark attacks dating back several hundred years, according to a new report.

Weather forecasting company Tideschart looked at data between 1642 through 2024 and looked at which beaches had the most shark attacks, with beaches in Florida compiling 9 out of the 10 slots. New Smyrna Beach, Florida, topped the list with 277 shark attacks since 1642.

Ryan Blundell, founder of Tideschart, said there are many swimmers who are unaware of the danger just off the shores of some Florida beaches, but said people shouldn’t panic.

“The concentration of shark attacks along Florida’s coastline is striking, with New Smyrna Beach in particular standing out as a global hotspot for shark encounters. Many people are unaware that certain beaches pose significantly higher risks than others when it comes to shark activity,” Blundell said. “These statistics shouldn’t prevent people from enjoying the ocean, but they do highlight the importance of staying informed about local marine conditions and following safety guidelines when swimming or surfing in these areas. Understanding shark patterns and behaviors can help beachgoers make safer choices about where and when to enter the water.” 

Blue Shark

Blue shark swims near the surface. (iStock)

6. Indialantic Boardwalk, Florida: 30 shark attacks

7. Fort Pierce Inlet, Florida: 24 shark attacks

8. Jupiter Beach Park, Florida: 23 shark attacks

9. Riviera Beach, Florida: 21 shark attacks

10. Cape Canaveral, Florida: 19 shark attacks

10. Isle of Palms, South Carolina: 19 shark attacks

Cities such as Galveston, Texas; Monterey, California and Gulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama were further down on the list.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided advice for swimmers concerned about shark attacks, which includes staying in groups, advising people not to swim too far from shore and using extra caution in murky waters.

In July, a surfer was bitten by a shark on New Smyrna Beach, which is known as the “shark bite capital of the world.”

Matthew Bender, 40, was bitten on his arm by a shark while surfing on July 6, according to a Volusia County Beach Safety spokesperson.

New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida

People walk past an access ramp at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida, the area with the most shark attacks in the world, on Feb. 23, 2024. (Photo by Jesus OLARTE / AFP) (Photo by JESUS OLARTE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I felt it clamp down like a bear trap out of nowhere,” Bender told Fox 35 Orlando. “By the time I looked down, it was already gone. I never saw the shark, but it bit really forcefully.”

Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Paradise' star and author Sarah Shahi reveals what helped her build her dream life and some 'Paradise' secrets

Actress and Author Sarah Shahi Shares Key Insights on Building Her Dream Life and Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Details from ‘Paradise

Sarah Shahi, widely recognized for her captivating performances on screen, is now…
X is DOWN: Elon Musk's social media platform crashes for thousands

X Experiences Widespread Outage: Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform Faces Disruptions for Thousands

For millions who rely on it daily, X—formerly known as Twitter—has unexpectedly…
Marion County teen arrested for AI-generated child sexual abuse materials, police say

Marion County Teen Arrested for Creating AI-Generated Child Exploitation Content, Authorities Report

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that a teenager was involved…
Nepo baby 'offended' by blind date with 'grandpa' George Clooney

Celebrity Offspring Reportedly Unhappy with Blind Date Pairing with George Clooney

Sara Foster, a self-proclaimed “nepo baby” and daughter of renowned music composer…
Rachel Ward speaks out after viciously trolled for no make-up selfie

Rachel Ward Defies Online Trolls: Embraces Natural Beauty with Empowering No-Makeup Selfie

Rachel Ward, the enchanting English actress known for her role in the…
Autopsy of congressman's alleged mistress who set herself on fire

Tragic Allegations: Autopsy Underway for Congressman’s Alleged Mistress in Shocking Self-Immolation Case

The tragic demise of a woman, rumored to be involved with a…
Kiefer Sutherland's silent decline - insiders reveal what's going on

Kiefer Sutherland’s Quiet Struggles: Insider Insights into the Actor’s Recent Challenges

Kiefer Sutherland recently found himself in a whimsical role, donning blue eyeshadow…
Chicago Bulls star player Derrick Rose joins 'Windy City Weekend' to talk new flower shop, jersey retirement

Derrick Rose Blooms with New Flower Shop and Reflects on Jersey Retirement on ‘Windy City Weekend

CHICAGO — Chicago’s own Derrick Rose, the celebrated 2011 NBA MVP from…