South Padre Island is a resort town located in Texas with 34 miles of white sand beaches and calm waters.
With typically year-round warm weather, South Padre Island has become a popular vacation spot for travelers to kick back and enjoy the relaxing environment, particularly the beach.
But after recent incidents that took place just last summer, beachgoers have become wary of the waters. If that’s the case for you, I’m here to ease your mind.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in South Padre Island?
On July 4, 2024, four people sustained shark-inflicted bites, sparking panic amongst Texas beachgoers; however, this cluster of incidents appears to have been isolated.
Since 1953, there have been seven reported attacks, none of which were fatal. Before the 2024 attacks, the most recent happened in 2017, showing how uncommon these situations are within the South Padre Island area.
What Kinds of Sharks Live/Migrate in South Padre Island?
In terms of the most recent attacks, officials believe a singular bull shark is to blame, a highly aggressive species of shark within the area, but other species of sharks migrate and live in South Padre Island as well.
Species such as blacktip and sandbar sharks are occasionally spotted during the spring months as they migrate through the area to make it into warmer waters.
Bull sharks: Bull sharks are the ones that often frequent South Padre Island. Commonly spotted in shallow waters, this species is fairly aggressive and responsible for several of the bites in the area.
Blacktip sharks: Blacktips are another species of shark that is commonly sighted on South Padre Island but they are typically just migrating through the areaÂ
Sandbar sharks: Sandbar sharks are not often seen due to their tendencies to stay in deeper waters but they are another species that picks up during spring months as they move towards warmer waters.
What Months Are Sharks Most Active in South Padre Island?
While spring months are common times to see sharks in South Padre Island as they move through, the summer months are another common time frame. This is because the water in the area has reached its peak temperature and the bait fish are the most active.
Another reason why you may feel the sharks have ramped up during the summer is that there are more people in the water. With more fish and humans in the water, it can be harder for sharks to distinguish between which is which, making the chances of a curious bite higher.
How to Protect Yourself from a Shark Attack in South Padre Island
The chances of encountering a shark firsthand while in South Padre Island waters are rare but if you are still on edge, following these tips can reduce your chances even further and hopefully put your mind at ease.
Follow the buddy system: If you’re planning on heading into the water, then do your best to swim in groups or with a friend. Swimming or wading alone increases your chances of being singled out by a shark. When with other people, the sharks are likely to feel more intimidated.
Jewelry stays on the shore: If you tend to wear a lot of jewelry or shiny beach apparel, it’s best to leave it on the shore before heading into the water. Shiny objects such as jewelry resemble fish scales and can confuse the sharks, especially when visibility is low.
Stay away from the fishermen:Â If there are fishermen on shore or piers nearby, then stay away from these spots. Their bait is attracting the fish and the fish are attracting the sharks so it is always best to be cautious when near these spots or stay away altogether.
Swim during daylight: You should always swim during daylight hours. Dawn and dusk hours are the least safe times to be in the water because the visibility is low and sharks are often on the hunt for food. This combination can lead to accidental incidents between people and sharks and is easily avoidable.
What to do if You Witness a Shark Attack in South Padre Island
If you witness a shark attack in South Padre Island or anywhere, here are a few things that you should do to ensure the safety of the victim, you and others in the area.
If you see a shark attack, do not enter the water. Instead, immediately flag down any lifeguards in the area and alert emergency services right away.Â
If, and I mean worst case scenario, there are no lifeguards in the area, emergency services are not nearby and you believe you can safely reach the victim, then follow these steps.
 Keep your eyes on the shark. Even if you do not see it, the chances it is still in the area are extremely high so be on the lookout. Next, remain calm so as not to send the victim into shock and attract the attention of anything else that may be lurking. It is also key to remember the shark's weak spots in case it gets too close for comfort: The snout, the eyes and the gills.
Once the victim is on shore, allow the emergency services to assist. If they are still not there, then apply pressure to any wounds and make a tourniquet for any large lacerations to prevent further blood loss until further help can be given.
Conclusion: Shark Attacks in South Padre Island
If you are planning on heading to South Padre Island, there is no need for concern when it comes to sharks. Shark attacks, let alone shark sightings, are uncommon in the area and beachgoers are safe to relax with little to no worry when it comes to the subject. As long as those who frequent the waters keep the previous tips in mind, they are safe to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day at South Padre Island.