The waterfront town and popular vacation destination in Florida, known as Panama City Beach, is surrounded by miles upon miles of crisp, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. However, with it being on the Gulf of America there is a diverse ecosystem that creates several shark sightings. But don’t cancel your trip just yet, I'm here to assure you that there is no need for extreme concern.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Panama City Beach?
Shark attacks do not happen often in Panama City Beach; however, in June 2024, there were three recorded attacks near the area.
On June 7, 2024, the first attack happened 30 minutes from Panama City Beach where a 45-year-old woman suffered injuries to her midsection and ultimately had to amputate her lower arm.
Then roughly two hours later in Seacrest Beach, 34 minutes from Panama City Beach, two teenage girls were attacked. In waist-deep water, just inside the first sandbar, the first victim suffered significant injuries to upper and lower extremities and the second suffered injuries to her lower right extremity.
While these incidents may be terrifying for beachgoers it is important to note how rare these occurrences truly are. Seeing sharks in this area is not a rarity, you will often see them close to shore, but the chances that they attack are extremely slim.
What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach is home to a wide variety of sharks. The most common sharks in the area are bull sharks, Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, sandbar and scalloped hammerhead.
Bull Sharks: Considered riskier than the great white, by some, bull sharks are aggressive and linger in the shallow waters which beachgoers like to frequent as well.
During the attacks of June 2024, when an aerial view of the Panama City Beach area was done, it was found that there were a plethora of bull sharks surrounding the first sandbar where two of the attacks happened.
Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks: Out of all of the Panama City Beach sharks, this species is of smaller size but still poses an intermediate level of danger for people. This is because they prefer the shallower water which is why they often make contact with people.
Blacktip Sharks: Blacktip sharks are a familiar species of the area and can be spotted year-round. Again, blacktips prefer shallow water and while they typically stay away from humans they are responsible for 20% of attacks in Florida.
Sandbar Sharks: Sandbar sharks are frequently tagged in the area and can reach up to six feet long. This species is rarely hostile and is found around the sandbars.
Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks: Several species of hammerhead sharks are in the Panama City Beach area but scalloped hammerheads are some of the more common ones spotted. You will commonly see them close to shore during daylight hours and deeper towards dusk.
What Months are Sharks Most Active in Panama City Beach?
Due to warmer waters and fish activity, sharks are the most common from May to October in Panama City Beach. The chances of attacks and accidental bump-ins are also higher during these times because more people are in the water.
How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Panama City Beach
If you find yourself with some extra shark-induced anxiety and you’re worried about getting in the water during your next trip to the beach, don’t worry there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of something happening.
Stay in the shallows: Now, I know I mentioned that a lot of the sharks in Panama City Beach prefer the shallow end; however, staying in the shallows will still significantly reduce your chances of anything happening. In the slight chance something does, you will be able to exit the water quicker than having to swim a far distance back to shore.
Swim in groups: Swimming in groups is a huge factor in protecting yourself from sharks. Swimming alone makes you vulnerable to a shark being able to single you out. Swimming in groups will likely intimidate them.
Avoid all things shiny: All things shiny such as jewelry or shimmering bikinis and board shorts can resemble fish scales, especially in low visibility for the sharks and it can be easy for them to mistake you for their food.
Stay away from piers/fisherman: Staying away from piers is a must, with all of the fishermen tossing bait into the water sharks are attracted to the area. When swimming try your best to stay away from any area where a fisherman is present.
What To Do If You Witness a Shark Attack in Panama City Beach
If you witness a shark attack the number one thing you need to do is remain calm, not only for yourself but for the victim, and then proceed with the following steps.
The second thing you should do, after trying your best to remain calm, is remove yourself from the water if you are in it to prevent yourself from being caught up in the attack. Once you are safely on the shore alert lifeguards, emergency services and other swimmers.
Allow the lifeguards and emergency swimmers to safely remove the victim from the water as they are trained for scenarios such as this. Once the victim is removed, check the extent of any injuries, provide warmth with a towel or blanket to prevent shock and apply pressure to wounds.
In the case where you absolutely have to be the one to get the victim from the water, keep your eyes on the shark at all times and know the places to strike if it turns to attack you: The snout, the eyes and the gills.
Shark Attacks in Panama City Beach
In terms of sharks, you do not need to be overly cautious during your next trip to Panama City Beach. This area is not cause for major concerns in terms of shark attacks especially in comparison to other Florida beaches. As long as you are aware of the tips and tricks to lower your chances of a run in you are all set to enjoy your beach day with peace of mind.
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