Do you love the ocean, but are terrified of what lurks within?
Or maybe you watched one too many shark movies, and now you’re unable to see sharks as anything but bloodthirsty predators eager for their next bite.
While these are understandable fears, especially when taking a dip off the coast of Florida, it’s important to understand where sharks live, when they would be most likely to attack, and how to prevent a shark attack.
If you remember these few things, you will be able to enjoy the Atlantic on your next Miami vacation shark-worry free.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Miami?
The odds of a shark attack in Miami are extremely rare—but not impossible. Since 1882, there have been 20 confirmed cases of unprovoked shark attacks in Miami-Dade County.
Compared to the 315 attacks of Volusia County, Florida, the Shark bite Capital of the World, Miami waters don’t seem too daunting. 2023 saw the most shark activity, with a total of 16 reported bites in the Sunshine State for the year, dubbing Florida the Nation’s leader for shark attacks.
Of these 16, there was one in Miami-Dade County.
What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Miami?
Many different shark species den in Miami’s waters. Tiger Sharks, the second largest predatory fish in the ocean, are one.
The most aggressive, Bull Sharks, are another.
There are also Hammerheads, Lemon Sharks, Dusky and Mako Sharks, Reef Sharks, Blacktips, and Nurse Sharks. Of the attacks in Florida, 36% (more than any other family) were of the Requiem Sharks of the family Carcharhinidae.
The Miami sharks with the most attacks from this family are Blacktips and Bull sharks.
The warm Miami waters draw in some of these sharks, like the Blacktips, who typically migrate to Florida late spring to early fall.
What Months are Sharks Most Active in Miami?
Using data spanning back to the year 1926 and recorded from the International Shark Attack File from the Florida Museum, we can see that attacks skyrocket in the summer months.
Specifically, July through October, with the month of September seeing the most shark activity; a total of 109 unprovoked attacks.
Water temperatures rise during these months, leading to increased shark, and, coincidentally, human activity.
Experts speculate that the number of shark attacks increases from July to October due to the rise of human visitors to the ocean, rather than the higher number of sharks.
How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Miami
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from a shark attack is to educate yourself about sharks and be aware of the ocean waters you are about to enter.
Be mindful when near sandbars or drop-offs, as these are a few places sharks love to hang out. And if a shark is sighted, don’t enter the water. It’s best to stay in groups when swimming, as sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual than attack a group.
Avoid shiny jewelry—light will reflect off it, causing your polished new necklace to look like fish scales. Sharks have a keen sense of smell, particularly to blood. If you have an open cut, try not to go into the water. And if you do see a shark, don’t panic.
The last thing you want to do is harass it, or yank its tail, or try to touch it in any way. Instead, you should, as calmly as possible and with minimal splashing, carefully move toward shore and exit the water.
What To Do If You Witness a Shark Attack in Miami
If you witness a shark attack from the shore, as much as you might want to jump in the water to help, the safest course of action recommended is to call for professional aid, like lifeguards.
Keep an eye on the victim as you wait for help.
If there is some kind of boat or paddle board on hand, and if it is possible to assist safely, you might be able to paddle out and help direct the shark attack victim to shore. If you do happen to be in the water with an individual who is attacked, or perhaps you are bitten, fight back. Jab at the shark’s eyes, its gills, and snout, all sensitive areas on the face.
The goal is to make the shark reconsider and find a less challenging target. You must make it back to shore, and once there, standard first-aid rules are applied. Staunch the bleeding with towels and clothing and help keep the victim calm until help arrives.
Shark Attacks in Miami: Conclusion
Sharks are predators, and while attacks on humans are a very real danger, taking the time to educate yourself on their habits and possessing an understanding of safety steps to practice could one day be the difference between life or death.
And now that you know more than you ever wished to know about sharks, particularly the ones swimming the waters of Miami Beach, we hope sharing the ocean with them might not seem so daunting.