SHARKS

The distribution of reported shark attacks over the past 50 years highlights clear geographic patterns, with a strong concentration in regions known for both warm coastal waters and high levels of recreational ocean use, such as surfing, swimming, and diving.

The United States accounts for the largest number of recorded incidents by a significant margin, with 1811 cases. A considerable share of these come from Florida, California, and Hawaii, where year-round surfing and dense beach tourism increase human–shark encounters.

Australia follows with 697 attacks, reflecting its long and exposed coastlines, world-class surf breaks, and active water sports culture. South Africa ranks third with 349 incidents, particularly around the Eastern and Western Cape, an area known for both excellent surf and large shark populations.

Smaller but still noteworthy figures emerge from oceanic tourism hotspots such as the Bahamas (115), Brazil (143), and New Zealand (72). These countries combine healthy shark habitats with thriving surfing communities and visiting surfers seeking uncrowded breaks.

Island territories such as New Caledonia (74), Réunion (53), and French Polynesia (37) illustrate how isolated reefs and passes can also be higher-risk zones due to concentrated shark activity in relatively small coastal areas. Isolated reefs, while ideal for surfing, may well carry an additional shark risk.

Countries in North Africa (Egypt, 38) and across the Pacific and Asia, including Fiji (24), Japan (18), Philippines (18), and Spain (26), show fewer total cases, though the incidents that do occur often attract global attention due to their rarity and the regions’ popularity with international tourists and surfers.

Overall, the data reinforces that the highest number of shark attacks occur where warm-water shark species overlap with large populations of surfers and beachgoers.

For surfers, understanding these geographic trends provides valuable perspective: while the likelihood of attack remains low, certain coastlines consistently report more encounters, making awareness and safety practices especially important in those regions

The data over the past 50 years shows that the vast majority of reported shark attacks are non-fatal. Out of 3927 incidents recorded worldwide, approximately 3224 (82.1%) did not result in a fatality. In contrast, 422 (10.7%) were fatal, while 281 (7.2%) could not be clearly classified due to incomplete records.

For surfers, this distinction is important. While the idea of a shark attack often conjures worst-case scenarios, the data demonstrates that most encounters do not result in loss of life. Advances in emergency response, quicker access to medical treatment, and greater awareness of shark behavior have all contributed to improving outcomes in recent decades.

It is also worth noting that the majority of non-fatal cases involve investigative bites, where the shark disengages after the initial contact. Fatalities, though devastating, remain statistically rare when compared to the number of people surfing, swimming, and diving in the ocean each year.

Great Whites dominate attacks in cold-water surf spots, while Bull and Tiger Sharks are more commonly involved in tropical and subtropical regions. This aligning nicely with popular global surfing destinations.

When examining reported shark attacks by species, the data highlights both identification challenges and clear patterns in species involvement, especially relevant to surfers.

Most attacks (2334 cases) are undetermined in species, often due to poor visibility and the fleeting nature of shark encounters. For surfers, this means that while species risk profiles matter, most interactions occur without a positive species ID.

Among identified sharks, the Great White leads with 512 attacks. For surfers in regions like California, South Africa, and southern Australia, the presence of Great Whites is well known, as these cooler-water areas with active seal populations are prime habitats for both surfing and these apex predators.

Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks each account for 215 and 222 attacks respectively. Surfers in warm-water regions (such as Queensland, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico) should recognise that Bull Sharks, with their ability to enter estuaries and even rivers, frequently approach popular breaks close to inlets.

Tiger Sharks, meanwhile, are prominent in tropical surf destinations like Hawaii, Reunion Island, and Tahiti, where their opportunistic feeding habits bring them into contact with people in shallow surf zones.

The Blacktip Shark (125 attacks) is common in subtropical and tropical areas like the US East Coast, the Caribbean, and parts of Australia. These smaller sharks often hunt baitfish in the same shallow waters that attract surfers, resulting in occasional mistaken-identity bites.

For surfers globally, the statistics emphasise that encounters are most likely with locally abundant shark species, and that overlap between prime surf breaks and shark territory defines the real risk, not any deliberate targeting of surfers by sharks.

Great White Shark - Most common species involved in incidents; Photo Credit: Oleksandr Sushko

The distribution of shark attacks by activity over the past 50 years highlights patterns shaped by both water-user behaviour and shark ecology.

Surfing leads all specific activities, with 1277 recorded attacks. This reflects surfers’ extended time spent in the surf zone, often clustered at prime breaks with abundant marine life. These conditions that appeal to both sharks and surfers. The combination of paddling, sitting on boards, and resembling prey movements increases the chances of mistaken-identity encounters.

A substantial number of incidents (792 cases) remain unknown, due to unclear circumstances or incomplete records. Following surfing, fishing (657 attacks) and swimming (613 attacks) are nearly tied for the next most common activities involved. These activities both draw people into areas where sharks frequent, with fishing also potentially attracting sharks through bait and struggling catch.

Other board sports (193 attacks), snorkeling (152 attacks) and scuba diving (99 attacks) also contribute to the total, though at lower rates, reflecting their popularity and distinct risk profiles. Activities like kayaking, floating, and assorted small craft use (canoeing, rowing, skiing, drifting, paddling) make up a smaller but noticeable portion, indicating that nearly any water activity carries some inherent encounter risk. This is especially true in shark-rich environments.

The key message for surfers: spending extended time in the surf zone is the main factor increasing the risk of encountering sharks, but being mindful of local shark activity, environmental conditions, and personal behaviour can greatly reduce actual danger.

This radial chart shows when shark attacks occur throughout a 24-hour period. The length of each segment represents the frequency of attacks during that time slot. Different colors indicate different periods of the day.

Most shark attacks in the data we’ve analysed occur during the Afternoon and Morning periods, peaking around mid-day to early afternoon. There are relatively few attacks during the Evening and almost none during the Night (10PM–6AM).

This closely matches increased human activity: people are likeliest to be swimming or surfing in daylight, especially during late morning and afternoon. Pretty obvious huh! 

Comparison with other published studies and data

Scientific studies have found that the majority of shark attacks also occur during daylight, especially between 9AM and 5PM, aligning with the periods of greatest ocean use by people.

For example, a comprehensive review of California shark incidents (1950–2021) found a strong peak around 11AM, and minimal incidents at night due to few people being in the water then.

Attacks at dusk (evening) and dawn are actually less frequent than expected, given ocean usage patterns. 

A Western Australia study similarly found no evidence of increased risk at dawn or dusk: only about 24% of attacks occurred near these times, and this matches the frequency of human activity rather than any spike in shark behaviour. 

However, standard public safety advice (including from ISAF, Florida, Australia, and Hawaii) cautions against swimming at dawn, dusk, or night because, for some shark species, these are times they may be active close to shore and have visual advantages in low light.

Are Dawn/Dusk Shark Attacks Supported by Evidence?

Statistical evidence does not show a higher rate of shark attack at dawn or dusk compared to daylight hours when normalised for the number of people in the water. Most statistically significant spikes are around midday when people use the ocean most.

The commonly repeated advice to "avoid dawn and dusk" stems from the fact that, biologically, some shark species do feed at low light, and visibility is reduced for humans. However, the actual attack data does not show a particular spike in risk at these times.

The key risk factor is being in the water when sharks are present and when many people are swimming or surfing, which occurs mainly during the daytime.

Summary Table: Published Evidence vs. Advice

While it is sensible to exercise extra caution in low-light conditions due to visibility and potential shark activity, the actual data does not support that dawn and dusk carry an especially increased risk of shark attack compared to times of greatest daylight and human water use. 

The main risk factor remains the overall presence of both people and sharks in the same area, most common during sunny, busy periods. The advice to avoid dawn/dusk is precautionary but not strictly supported by attack statistics.

How many shark attacks happen each year?

On average, there are around 71 shark attacks per year globally. The peak year in recent records was 2017 with 133 attacks, while 2024 saw a sharp drop to a 28-year low. (See long-term trends)

Where do most shark attacks happen?

The United States reports the highest number, with 1811 attacks, followed by Australia (697) and South Africa (349). Within the US, Florida, California, and Hawaii see the most cases, reflecting their year-round surf culture and beach tourism. (See shark attacks by country)

Which shark species attacks most often?

The Great White Shark is the most frequently identified species, linked to 512 recorded attacks. Bull Sharks (215) and Tiger Sharks (222) follow closely. However, most reports (2334 cases) do not have a confirmed species due to poor visibility or fleeting encounters. (See shark attacks by species)

What percentage of shark attacks are fatal?

Only about 10.7% of recorded attacks are fatal, while over 82.1% are non-fatal. Improved medical response and awareness have greatly increased survival rates. (See fatal vs non-fatal attacks)

What activity has the highest risk of shark attack?

Surfing accounts for the most incidents, with 1277 attacks, far more than swimming (613) or fishing (657). The combination of time spent in the surf zone and resemblance to prey movements increases risk. (See shark attacks by activity)

What time of day do most shark attacks happen?

Most attacks occur during late morning to afternoon, peaking around midday. Contrary to popular belief, dawn and dusk do not show higher risk once human ocean use is factored in. (See shark attacks by time of day)

How rare are shark attacks compared to other risks?

Shark attacks are extremely rare. The data shows just a few dozen unprovoked attacks worldwide each year which is far fewer than accidents like drowning. Statistically, ocean users are far more likely to suffer non-shark-related incidents. (See long-term trends)

How can you survive a shark attack?

Most attacks are survivable if you stay calm, use your board as protection, fight back if needed, exit the water smoothly, and stop bleeding quickly. Over 4 out of 5 people survive shark encounters. (See safety & prevention tips)

How can I completely avoid being attacked?

Sounds like you'll need a wave pool.