Shark Attacks in Clearwater (2025 Report)

Within Florida is a city known as Clearwater. During the summer and generally warmer months, people flock to the area to experience the miles and miles of white sand and clear waters. The atmosphere of the area is bustling due to its variety of dining, shops and activities to experience. And while many will spend most of their time laid out on the beach, some are wary of venturing any further than the sand in fear of the sharks. Don’t worry Clearwater visitors, you are safe.

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Clearwater?

Florida is often associated with shark attacks and in 2024 alone, Florida was responsible for half of the attacks that year within the United States. 

Despite this, Clearwater is not one of the Florida areas home to several attacks. There have only been two recorded attacks since 1975, the most recent occurring in 2009, and general encounters are extremely rare.

What Kinds of Sharks Live/Migrate in Clearwater?

A few sharks make their way through Clearwater throughout the year but the most common are Blacktips, Spinners, Sandbar and Blacknose sharks.

Blacktip sharks: Blacktips are the most common species that inhabit the Clearwater area. This is not considered to be an aggressive species of shark and can be distinguished by the black tips that adorn their fins. You are most likely to spot them in shallow waters around reefs.

Sandbar sharks: Sandbar sharks often hang out close to shore while feeding on fish and shellfish. This shark likes to stay low to the ocean floor and is rarely aggressive toward humans.

Blacknose sharks: It's rare to hear about blacknose sharks as they pose little to no threat to humans. They keep to themselves in the Florida bays and lagoons and have not been involved in any recorded attacks.

What Months Are Sharks Most Active in Clearwater?

Shark sightings and encounters will peak around the time when the beaches begin to fill up, which is April through October, for several reasons. This spike can mainly be associated with warmer waters and an increase in baitfish activity. These months are also when the sharks migrate through the area to breed.

How to Protect Yourself from a Shark Attack in Clearwater

If you find yourself worried about encountering a shark during your trip to Clearwater Beach, there are a few extra precautions that you can take to decrease the likelihood further.

All things shiny remain on shore: Sequin bikinis, shimmering boardshorts and all jewelry are best kept on shore. Items such as these reflect when in the water and can resemble fish scales. This makes it difficult for a shark to decipher whether or not you are prey.

Swim in groups: Swimming in groups is a huge factor when protecting yourself from sharks. Those who swim in groups are less likely to be singled out by a shark. Because sharks tend to hunt alone, large groups can be intimidating for them.

Swim during daylight: Swimming during daylight hours is not only best for general safety but it will limit your chances of a run-in with a shark. Dawn and dusk hours are prime times for sharks to hunt and the water also has less visibility. Not only can you not see well during this time but neither can the sharks, making this a common time for sharks and humans to collide.

Keep splashing to a minimum: Splashing can resemble a struggling fish or animal and attract curious sharks to the area. By swimming and wading calmly, you are less likely to be approached.

What to do if You Witness a Shark Attack in Clearwater

If you find yourself in the area of a shark attack, there are several steps that you will need to follow. But first, remain calm.

It is crucial to remain calm during this situation. No one is able to think on their toes to the best of their ability when chaos has ensued. For the sake of yourself and, most importantly, the victim, try your best to remain level-headed.

Once calm, the first thing you need to do is alert everyone in the area. Warn people in the water, alert others on shore, alert the lifeguards and call emergency services immediately.  If you are not already in the water and close to the victim, do not try and go near the site of the attack. Please leave it up to the trained professionals.

 However, if you are already near the victim and safely able to reach them or emergency services will not be able to reach the scene fast enough, these next few steps are for you: Act swiftly and calmly when getting the victim to shore, keep your eyes on the shark at all times and stay alert even if you can not see it and if it comes near the best places to strike the shark are the gills, snout and eyes.

Once the victim is on shore, apply pressure to any wounds and create a tourniquet around them to prevent blood loss until the emergency services can take over.

Conclusion: Shark Attacks in Clearwater

Florida tends to get a bad rap in terms of shark attacks and this makes a lot of vacationers and the general public nervous of swimming during their days on the beach. While Florida is responsible for several shark attacks, the Clearwater area is excluded from this. 

Pack your sunscreen, a few snacks and a beach towel for your next trip to Clearwater but leave your fear of sharks at home. Clearwater is not the place to worry about encountering a shark.