6 US beaches most prone to shark encounters

The movie ‘Jaws,’ didn’t just provide thrilling entertainment; it embedded a deep-seated fear of the ocean in a generation. The idea of a deadly predator emerging from the depths is a powerful one, even though more people die from falling out of bed each year. With millions of tourists heading to the beaches when in the US, it’s important to understand the small, but present risk of shark attacks. Certain regions have higher instances of these encounters.

While shark attacks are rare, certain US beaches have higher occurrences. Knowing the risks and being cautious can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience at the beach. Here’s a list of those beaches.

Brevard County, located south of Volusia County, tops the list with 158 recorded shark attacks. Although there have been no recent incidents, the county's location near the migrations of mullet, sardine, anchovy, and herring continues to attract feeding sharks. Interestingly, blacktip shark migration numbers have decreased over the past decade due to warmer coastal waters pushing them to other areas. Despite this, beachgoers should remain highly cautious.

Palm Beach, Florida, ranks third on the list of the most dangerous beaches with 82 reported shark attacks over the years. While recent activity hasn't been particularly alarming, the most recent attack involved an adolescent boy in shallow water. This incident followed an unprovoked attack on a man in his fifties at a nearby beach.

Hawaii's position in the central Pacific Ocean makes it prone to encounters with great white sharks in deeper waters. As recently as 2024, a suspected great white shark killed a snorkeling enthusiast, bringing the total number of such deaths since 2013 to five.

South of Duval County is St. Johns County, the southernmost part of the Northern Panhandle, which has a similar record of shark attacks. St. Johns County provides residents with annual “Beach Driving” passes, enabling them to drive their SUVs and camper vans on the sand. In 2020, a teenage surfer was severely bitten on his foot after only ten minutes in the water off St. Augustine Beach. Additionally, in 2014, a massive 14-foot great white shark was detected near the same beach.

In 2024, the movie world was devastated by the death of actor and surf enthusiast Tamayo Perry, who was killed in a shark attack off Oahu’s North Shore. This surf mecca doesn't typically see frequent shark attacks; Perry's death was only the ninth shark-related fatality in Hawaii in three decades. Oahu has a long history of shark encounters, with tiger sharks migrating to the island's famous North Shore during the fall. It was likely this species that attacked Perry.

South Carolina is renowned for many attractions, though sharks aren't typically what draw visitors. However, Charleston has experienced shark activity, including a 2024 incident where a spearfisher was targeted. While the appeal of spearfishing is clear, the safety of the sport is questionable.