Whether it’s a result of widespread media, iconic films, or viral videos, people have always had a healthy fear of shark attacks. Granted, meeting a massive great white shark underwater may seem like a terrifying encounter, but is it really as common as the news would like us to believe?
The answer may shock you. Not only are great white attacks rare, but most beaches never report one at all.
In 2024, sightings and close encounters with sharks were frequent in certain regions around the world, but actual fatal bites were extremely rare. Most beach closures, especially in the United States, were precautionary and not due to serious incidents.
Throughout the following sections, we’ll break down the shark attacks in 2024 and examine how many fatal encounters were a result of great whites. We’ll also provide strategies for staying safe if you’re planning on traveling to a beach with known shark activity.
2024 Shark Bites: The Bigger Picture
According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024, marking the lowest total in nearly three decades. Among those attacks, only four resulted in fatalities, and just three were confirmed to involve a great white shark.
The other 45 shark bites were either attributed to other shark species, such as blacktips and spinner sharks, or lacked a confirmed species identification.
When looking at the attacks from a geographic perspective, 28 of the unprovoked bites happened in the United States, with 14 taking place in Florida. However, none of the encounters were fatal, and only minor injuries occurred.
Where Great White Shark Fatalities Occurred in 2024
Great white shark attacks are incredibly rare, but often result in significant injuries.
©screamingtrees_22/Shutterstock.com
So, with only 6% of last year’s shark attacks coming from great white sharks, why do they make the news more frequently?
The main reason is the devastating power of these animals.
While great white shark bites are incredibly rare, they are more likely to result in serious injury or death due to the size and force of the species. In 2024, three unprovoked fatalities were confirmed to be caused by great whites:
Location | Month | Victim Activity | Details |
Streaky Bay, South Australia | May | Surfing | Surfer fatally attacked near a popular break |
Port MacDonnell, South Australia | October | Diving | Diver attacked offshore |
Chatham Islands, New Zealand | November | Diving for Shellfish | Diver killed shortly after entering the water |
Did Beaches Close After the Attacks?
The impact of an attack on the beach varied based on several factors, including the severity of the encounter, local policy, and environmental conditions. For instance, there were drastic differences in how authorities handled the encounters in Australia compared to the United States.
Streaky Bay & Port MacDonnell, South Australia
Both fatal attacks led to temporary beach closures and increased surveillance along the coast. Local authorities also deployed aerial patrols, posted warnings, and issued public safety alerts to help keep community members safe.
Ultimately, some beaches reopened within 48 hours, while others remained closed for several days.
Chatham Islands, New Zealand
Unlike the actions taken by Australian authorities, there was a much different response by officials in New Zealand. Due to the region’s remoteness, there was no formal closure system for the beach. However, local leadership did suspend diving activities and issued warnings to nearby fishing communities.
Were Beaches in the United States Impacted?
Even with the United States recording 28 unprovoked bites in 2024, none were fatal. However, several beaches did close temporarily due to sightings and minor incidents, and not all incidents had a confirmed shark species.
For example, San Clemente, California, decided to close its beaches for 24 hours in response to “aggressive shark behavior.”
Will Great White Shark Activity Increase in 2025?
The good news is that the number of shark bites dropped in 2024. The bad news? Many experts expect great white shark sightings and encounters to remain frequent in certain coastal regions, such as Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the South Island, New Zealand.
As ocean temperatures continue to increase and seal populations grow larger, there is a good chance that great whites will spend more time near the shoreline.
This proximity to beaches could lead to unfortunate encounters with humans. Coastal communities may even see more advisories, patrols, and research efforts in response to these changes.
5 Ways to Stay Safe in Great White Shark Territory
Although shark bites remain rare, it’s still smart to take basic precautions, especially when vacationing in areas with known great white activity.
The following five tips provide key information on how to stay safe while enjoying the ocean this summer.
Avoid Swimming at Dawn, Dusk, or in Murky Water
Low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, or cloudy water, make it harder to see and be seen in the ocean. Sharks often feed during these times, and reduced visibility can make it easier for them to misinterpret movement in the water.
If the water looks unclear or the light is low, it’s best to wait. Allowing conditions to improve over time reduces the likelihood of an accidental encounter and helps you stay more aware of your surroundings.
Stay Away from Areas with Seals
Great white sharks tend to stay close to areas where their prey is active, particularly seals and sea lions. These marine mammals serve as a primary food source, particularly in coastal regions with established colonies.
If you see seals nearby, whether on rocks or in the water, it’s best to move to a different location.
Areas with frequent seal activity are more likely to attract sharks during peak feeding times or migratory periods.
Use Shark Tracking Tools
Shark tracking apps like Sharktivity and OCEARCH are designed to help the public stay informed about recent shark movements. By monitoring tagged individuals, these tools can highlight areas with recent activity and help people avoid unnecessary risk.
It’s worth remembering, though, that these tools don’t track every shark.
They’re helpful but not foolproof, so always use them alongside local guidance and your own judgment when entering the water.
Never Swim Alone
Most shark bites happen when people are alone in the water, likely because sharks tend to avoid groups. That’s why swimming in pairs or small clusters is one of the simplest and most effective precautions you can take.
Even aside from sharks, having someone nearby increases your safety overall.
A partner can assist if you get tired, caught in a current, or experience a medical issue. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in how quickly help arrives if something goes wrong.
Follow Local Advisories
Local advisories are one of the most reliable ways to stay informed, especially if you’re visiting an unfamiliar beach. Warnings are based on patterns that lifeguards and marine patrols monitor closely, such as repeated sightings or nearby incidents.
Ignoring posted alerts can put you at unnecessary risk. Sharks don’t always make themselves visible, and by the time one is spotted near shore, it may already have been in the area for a while. It’s safest to stay out until officials give the all-clear.
Sharing the Shoreline with Sharks
If you’re planning a coastal trip this year, there’s no reason to avoid the water. But there is every reason to go in prepared. Understanding where sharks are active and how to lower your risk helps make beach days safer and more enjoyable.
By following a few simple habits, such as checking advisories, swimming with others, and staying aware, you’re not just protecting yourself. You’re also supporting a respectful approach to enjoying the ocean alongside its wildlife.
The post These Beaches Had the Most Great White Shark Attacks Last Year: Plan Your Travels Accordingly appeared first on A-Z Animals.
