Beaufort’s beachy days are back. In the spring and in the hotter days of summer more and more sun seekers and water lovers enjoy our beautiful local Beaufort beaches. For locals, visiting the beach is part of life here in the Lowcountry and sea islands, and, simply put, it’s what we do. For visitors, it’s why they’re here; to see the sights and enjoy the water on Hunting, Harbor, Fripp and Hilton Head Islands.
When these warmer temps arrive it brings warmer water temperatures, too. And, that brings the sharks to Beaufort along with it.
Yes, sir.
How often do we think of shark safety at the beach?
Pretty often.
Now, were not trying to scare anyone with this article and its information, but, you know you always think about it.
With every visit to the water, one of the things that always stays in the back of the minds of beach-goers…is the fear of sharks.
Yes, drowning, getting burned by the sun, jellyfish and losing Junior among the throngs of people are also on that list, but, seriously, everyone thinks about sharks when they are swimming in the water.
It’s been reported over the past few years that the Beaufort area (Port Royal Sound) is a birthing place for great white sharks, likely due to the large population of food for the young sharks to eat as they spend their first few years touring the Lowcountry waters. Yes, that’s right, GREAT WHITE SHARKS.
But you don’t need to worry. When was the last time you heard of someone being bitten in Beaufort by a great white?
Um…..never.
Also, with the fine fishermen at Outcast Sport Fishing pulling in great whites, tigers, hammerheads and other large species as of late, we’ve seen lots of teeth here in the Beaufort area and it’s no wonder why our guard is up.
But, did you know that the chances of encountering a shark are rare? And, being attacked or even nipped by any sharks in Beaufort is even rarer?
Local numbers, sharks in Beaufort
Shark attacks on our local beaches are indeed very rare. In researching for this article, we found that there was a fatal attack off of Parris Island in 1960 when a recruit attempted to swim from the island.
Since records started being kept as early as 1817, our local area has seen only a few shark bites including two on Fripp Island, one on Hunting Island and two off of St Helena Island. At the other end of Beaufort County, Hilton Head’s beaches have seen several.
There was a shark attack just two days ago on Hilton Head. But that’s the only one we can recall in quite awhile in our area.
Just the facts on attacks
Let’s take a look at some of the facts about the ocean’s most feared occupants.
Out of over 375 different species of sharks found in all of our oceans, only around 30 of them have been reported to have ever attacked a human being. Of these, only about 10 or 12 should be considered particularly dangerous when encountered.
Of the most concern in our coastal waters are great whites, tigers, and bull sharks. Bulls, especially, are known to hang out just offshore in shallow waters.
However, all sharks large and small are predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked. They should all be treated with respect when encountered.
The chances of being attacked by a shark are very small compared to other animal attacks, natural disasters or beach-side dangers. More people drown in the ocean every year than are bitten by sharks, by a large margin. The few attacks that occur every year are an indication that sharks don’t feed on us and that most attacks that occur are simply due to mistaken identity.
Worldwide there is an average of 50-70 shark attacks every year. Attacks have been increasing over the decades as a result of increased human populations and the use of the oceans for recreational activity; and we’re hearing about each and every one of them because of the addition of a modern media that circles the globe in a matter of minutes.
Simply put…as long as humans continue to enter the sharks’ environment, there will be shark attacks. The same goes for sharks in Beaufort, and everywhere.
Decrease your chances of an attack
To decrease your already small chance of becoming a victim of a shark bite, observe the following rules, as advised by the Florida Museum of Natural History.
1. Always swim in a group. Sharks most often attack lone individuals.
2. Don’t wander too far from shore. Doing so isolates you and places you away from assistance.
3. Avoid the water at night, dawn, or dusk. Many sharks are most active at these times and are better able to find you than you are to see them.
4. Don’t enter the water if bleeding. Sharks can smell and taste blood, and trace it back to its source.
5. Don’t wear shiny jewelry. The reflected light looks like shining fish scales.
6. Don’t go into waters containing sewage. Sewage attracts bait fishes, which in turn attract sharks.
7. Avoid waters being fished and those with lots of bait fishes. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such activities.
8. Don’t enter the water if sharks are present. Leave immediately if sharks are seen.
9. Avoid an uneven tan and brightly colored clothing. Sharks see contrast particularly well, so use extra caution when waters are cloudy.
10. Don’t splash a lot. Also, keep pets out of the water. Erratic movements can attract sharks.
11. Use care near sandbars or steep drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks.
12. Don’t relax just because porpoises are nearby. Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks. Both often eat the same foods.
13. Don’t try to touch a shark if you see one!
14. If attacked by a shark, the general rule is “Do whatever it takes to get away!” Some people have successfully chosen to be aggressive, others passive. Some yelled underwater, others blew bubbles.
See all the data on shark attacks in South Carolina and the rest of the U.S.
In reality, you don’t have much to worry about. Don’t stress, just be aware. And, for goodness sake, have fun and don’t let the worrying ruin your vacation.
