Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a tourist-populated area that booms during the summer months. But lurking along the shore are some other visitors: Sharks. Though it is extremely rare, the odds being 1 in 11.5 million, incidents still occur and Myrtle Beach is no exception.
If you’re planning a trip to the area’s beaches and you’re a little wary, don’t worry I’ve got you covered.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Myrtle Beach?
Seeing a shark in Myrtle Beach is not rare but having actual shark attacks in the area are. On average, the area will experience one to two shark attacks a year.
But don’t worry, the incidents that have occurred have been very minor injuries where the victims were released swiftly from care.
Luckily, a fatal injury has not occurred since 1852 and the most recent encounter happened in 2024 where two people suffered minor injuries that were quickly treated.
What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Myrtle Beach?
The most common sharks that hang out in the Myrtle Beach area are smaller species such as Black Tips, Spinners and Sandbar sharks.
You will find Blacktips close to the shore and they are the ones to blame for most of the minor nips that are reported. This species can easily be distinguished by the black tip that adorns their fins.
Spinners are usually seen when the fish move through the area and because of this they may mistake a finger for one so be wary when the fish are jumping.
With them, you will likely notice them during the summer months and occasionally see one spin out of the water.
With Sandbar sharks you can find them in the shallow waters and are easily spotted by their tall dorsal fins.
What Months are Sharks Most Active in Myrtle Beach?
Because sharks prefer the warmer waters, you are far more likely to run into them during the warmer months of May to September in Myrtle Beach.
Unfortunately, the tourists and sharks have the same thought process. With more people in the water, once the warmer seasons roll around and the sharks follow their migratory patterns, this can explain the occasional run-ins that happen in the area.
Sharks in the area tend to be active during these times for a variety of reasons. The main ones are that the water is very warm, there’s an abundance of marine life and there are a plethora of fishermen in the area.
How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Myrtle Beach
There are several things that you can do to lower your chances of a shark attack. Always try your best to swim in groups, try to distance yourself from piers where people are fishing as they are basically chumming the water, don’t frequent the water at dawn or dusk because this is when the sharks tend to hunt and the visibility is low in the water and avoid wearing shiny jewelry as it resembles fish scales.
You can also reduce your chances by not entering the water with any wound that is bleeding, stay close to lifeguard posts because they monitor for shark activity and will notify the area and avoid deeper waters where the sharks are commonly hunting.
With all that being said, if you still happen to have a shark come too close for comfort, back away slowly and try your best to limit splashing, maintain eye contact, push it away from the tip of its snout and, if needed, strike it in the eyes or gills and notify others that are in the water.
What To Do If You Witness a Shark Attack
If you are in the water or on shore and happen to witness a shark attack there are a few things that you can do to help.
You should start by immediately calling for help and try your best to remove the individual from the water without putting yourself in harm's way. If you can’t reach them, try your best to instruct them calmly.
Once back on shore, apply pressure to the wounds, keep yourself and the victim calm, provide blankets or towels for warmth if needed and contact first responders and lifeguards.
If you want to visit Myrtle Beach, SC don’t be discouraged by the chance of encountering a shark. The odds are extremely slim especially if you are mindful. Being aware is how you can prevent yourself from having a negative experience with them.
The Bottom Line: Shark Attacks in Myrtle Beach
Remember that most sharks aren’t on the hunt for people and prefer to keep their distance so by learning their patterns and what may attract them, coexistence is possible.
So head out to the beach with your head held high, these tips and tricks in your back pocket and your stress on the back burner, this is your chance to relax and take in the beauty the area has to offer, don’t let the sharks dictate your visit.
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