TAMPA, FL (WFLA) – When swimming in the ocean, sharks are never far way. But lately, more seem to be attacking, and beach goers are on high alert. There have been two more shark attacks over the past three days. North Carolina is up to six just this month. There has also been one attack in South Carolina and on the east coast of Florida this month. Images of the aftermath are terrifying. Two teenagers lost arms on the same day. Also this month, a 500-pound bull shark caught off of Egmont key, near popular Tampa Bay swimming spots. But Florida Aquarium shark expert Eric Hovland expects the stats to be about the same by the end of year. He cautions against staying on the sand.
“Every year we have millions of people go into our water, just in the U.S. alone, but really the number of bites in these accidents typically only measures in the dozens,” Hovland said. Areas that have more swimmers, Hovland explains, are more prone to run-ins with sharks. “There is safety in numbers so if you’re out in the water, try not to be all by yourself,” Hovland said. “It’s good to be out in the nice sunny hours of the day. Avoid evening, avoid dusk.” He also advises avoiding shinny clothes and jewelry. And don’t swim when bleeding or close to fisherman.
Not everyone is worried about swimming near sharks. Visitors to the aquarium shark area say they aren’t too worried. “As long as your close by and being somewhat respectable, they won’t bother you,” Lance Provance said.