There have been 896 shark attacks in Florida since 1837, only 19 of which occurred near Miami. Most victims were either swimming, wading, kayaking, surfing, or paddleboarding. Shark attacks near Miami and in all of Florida happen more in July, August, and September than in any other month. This is likely because more people go into the water at this time of year than at any other. Despite the numbers, more people drown in Florida every year than get bitten by sharks. Let’s take a look at the six beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks. Then, we’ll learn what you can do to reduce the risk of a shark attack when enjoying the white sand beaches of south Florida.
6. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks. The most recent attack took place in March of 2021 and involved a seven-year-old victim. Luckily, the bite was non-life threatening. According to reports, as the boy was swimming, a school of fish swam by him. As they did, a shark took a nip at his hand. The boy was hospitalized, and surgeons were able to repair the damage done to his hand. The type of shark responsible for the attack is unknown.
5. Key Biscayne Beach
Key Biscayne, a beach near Miami, played host to a non-fatal shark attack on an adult man in April of 2021. The man had a bite wound to his lower leg, which required treatment at a hospital but was not life-threatening. The species of shark that bit him is unknown.
4. Miami Beach
The most recent shark attack at Miami beach, one of the beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks, occurred in 2021. The victim was a nine year old boy who sustained a bite wound to his shoulder. The attack occurred in waist-deep water as the boy surfed. The culprit is reported to be a 4-5 foot long shark of unknown species. The boy was hospitalized and later recovered fully.
3. Highland Beach
The most recent shark attack at this beach near Miami with the most shark attacks occurred in April of 2022. The victim was a teenage boy who was bitten on the foot. He was transported to the hospital, but his injuries were non-life threatening. The culprit is believed to be a black tip shark.
2. Haulover Beach
The most recent shark attack at Haulover Beach occurred in July of 2017. The victim was an adult man, and the culprit is believed to be a 4-5 foot long bull shark. The bite occurred as lifeguards attempted to herd swimmers out of the water via watercraft. The shark may have been provoked by the presence of the watercraft. The victim sustained bites to both legs, which required hospitalization and stitches.
1. Lake Worth Beach Park
The most recent shark attack at Lake Worth Beach Park occurred on March 31st, 2022. The victim was an adult man standing in the water fishing. He was bitten on the knee by a shark and transported to the hospital. Luckily, his injuries were not life-threatening. Though the responsible shark was not identified, it may have been a black tip shark.
Reducing Your Risk of Shark Attack
Whenever people go into the water, they’re entering the shark’s home. Sharks are apex predators and keystone species. Their importance to the food chain and to the overall health of the marine ecosystem cannot be understated. Every year, there are thousands of positive interactions between humans and sharks. Unfortunately, there are also a few attacks, some of which are fatal to the human victims.
Avoiding Shark Attacks
Here, we’ll learn a few key steps to reduce your risk of attack when enjoying the beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks. First, never go into the water alone. Always swim, surf, or wade with a buddy. Stick close to shore, and never swim in areas where people are actively fishing. Avoid wearing jewelry, or bright, high-contrast colors, as these attract sharks. Also, stay out of the water at dawn and dusk, as these are prime feeding times for sharks. Finally, avoid excessive splashing, as this can mimic the splashing of prey items, like fish and seals.
Why Sharks are Important
Sharks may be scary, especially if you’re visiting one of the beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks. But, they’re also incredibly important to the ecological health of our oceans. Sharks are keystone species and apex predators. That means that, without them, the entire oceanic food web would collapse. Shark conservation is one of the most important aspects of global conservation today.
