Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination during the summer months and while it is home to a family-friendly atmosphere, coastline views and warm weather, recent attacks during the 2024 summer left beachgoers wary.
So should you cross Virginia Beach off your list of places to vacation or head to for a quick beach day? Let’s find out.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Virginia Beach?
The chances of experiencing a shark attack in Virginia Beach are rare. There have been 10 reported attacks since the 1900s in the area and while this number may seem jarring to some, this is far less than other coastal areas experience.
The most recent attacks happened in late June of 2024 when four people were bitten in three days. Two of the victims were able to leave the beach while the other two were treated at the hospital.Â
One of the victims was a 10-year-old girl who felt something bite her ankle while playing in the shallow water. Eight stitches were needed and her family speculates that it was most likely a baby shark.Â
What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Virginia Beach?Â
A couple of sharks are notable year-round in the Virginia Beach area and a few are just passing through seasonally. The most common are the Sandbar Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Scalloped Hammerhead and Blacktip.
Sandbar Shark:Â This species is the most common in the Virginia region as they use Chesapeake Bay as a nursery area.
Smooth Dogfish: These are seasonal visitors and are most prevalent during the summer and fall months.
Scalloped Hammerhead:Â Scalloped Hammerheads are commonly spotted during June and while they prefer deeper waters they are sometimes found close to shore.
Blacktip Sharks:Â Blacktips are usually found in shallower waters and migrate to the area during the summer months.
What Months are Sharks Most Active in Virginia Beach?Â
As the temperature rises so do the shark sightings in Virginia Beach. You are most likely to see a shark during the summer to early fall months when the water is warmer, more people are in the water and marine life is thriving. This commonly ranges from June to October.
How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Virginia Beach
There is no need for excessive worry when it comes to running into a shark while in the Virginia Beach area but, while incidents are rare, it is still important to keep a few tips in mind to lessen your chances even more.
Remain in Shallow Water: Shallow waters tend to be safer as sharks prefer to hunt deeper in the ocean.
Swim in Groups:Â Swimming in groups can not only be helpful if something does occur but it also limits the chances of shark attacks because they are not able to single out an individual.
Avoid Excessive Splashing:Â Excessive splashing can mimic prey in distress which will attract sharks to the area.
Avoid Dawn and Dusk:Â Dawn and Dusk are times when sharks are the most active and hunting. Being in the water during these hours can increase your chances of being mistaken as prey especially with the water being less visible.
Remove Shiny Objects:Â Removing shiny objects such as jewelry before heading into the water is important. Sharks can mistake these objects as fish scales and take a curious bite.
What To Do If You Witness a Shark AttackÂ
If you witness a shark attack the number one tip is to remain calm to prevent worsening the situation and putting the victim into further shock. Remember to remain level-headed and follow these tips.
The first thing that you should try to do is alert any lifeguards in the area or other people nearby, avoid putting yourself in danger and call emergency services. Once everyone in the area has been alerted, if the victim is near shore, remove them from the water.Â
Do not swim near the attack site unless you are a trained professional as the shark may still be in the area. However, if you find yourself already in the water, avoid excessive splashing, try to calmly remove yourself, keep the shark in sight and keep in mind that the best places to strike the shark if it comes near are the gills, eyes and snout.
Once the victim is out of the water, apply pressure to any wounds and apply first aid as necessary until trained professionals can take over.
Shark Attacks in Virginia Beach
Despite reported shark attacks in Virginia Beach in the past, these incidents have been far and few between. This area requires no need for concern when it comes to shark attacks especially if beachgoers keep the tips in mind for their next visit.Â
So don’t cross Virginia Beach off your places to visit. Instead, pack your beach bag, load up the car and prepare for a safe and sunny day in the area with the fear of sharks way out of your mind.