SHARKS There Everywhere In Daytona Beach!

daytona beach sharks - new smyrna beach sharksLooking for information about sharks and shark attacks in Daytona Beach Florida?  If you are wonder if there are sharks, yes.  What are your chances of survival?  Like 1 in 3,700,000.  Daytona Beach is safe as is any beach in America.

In fact, amongst all the beaches in the USA there are only around 16 shark attacks a year.  For those keeping score half of them were in Florida and the majority were Sept between 2 and 3 pm.  Half of all those the attacks are on surfers.

Every two years across the USA, 1 of those 32 unlucky people die.  In contrast 30+ people die per year from lightening strikes!  Here are a few more shark attack facts and stats: 1 | 2 | 3  But wait!  There are some gory and scary shark videos below.

Watch Videos Of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach Sharks!

You really shouldn’t watch these videos…  My favorite are the surfer videos where the sharks are just circling them.  So brave they are.  Note, Ponce Inlet Florida is the shark attack capitol of the world!  That same area is also known as Ponce Inlet which is just south of Daytona Beach.  

Note: Not all fins belong to sharks and sometime dolphins protect surfers.  But full disclosure!  There are definitely sharks in the water.

Fun Tours & Excursions To Do In The Daytona Beach Area:

Sharks are a common feature of the Atlantic waters of Florida, including Daytona Beach and its surrounding areas like Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, and New Smyrna Beach. This area is part of what is known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” While sharks are prevalent here, it’s crucial to understand that shark attacks are statistically rare, and fatal attacks are even rarer.

Types of Sharks in the Area

Several species of sharks can be found in these waters, including:

  1. Bull Sharks: Known for their aggressive nature, these sharks can tolerate freshwater and often come close to shore.
  2. Blacktip Sharks: They are known to leap out of the water, especially while hunting schools of fish.
  3. Spinner Sharks: Similar to blacktips, spinners are known for their acrobatics.
  4. Lemon Sharks: Larger and less aggressive than some other species, they are easily identified by their yellowish color.
  5. Tiger Sharks: They are less common but are larger and can be dangerous.
  6. Nurse Sharks: Generally harmless unless provoked, these bottom-dwellers can grow quite large.

Number of Shark Bites Annually

While the numbers can vary from year to year, the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File reported that Volusia County (which includes Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach) has a high number of unprovoked shark bites. However, most incidents are minor. As of my last update in September 2021, Volusia County has led the world in shark bites for several years. For the most accurate and current information, please check the Florida Museum’s ISAF recent incidents and statistics page.

What to Do if Bitten

Here are some general steps to follow if a shark bite occurs:

  1. Get out of the water: This may seem obvious, but the first thing to do is to get to safety if possible.
  2. Apply Pressure to the Wound: Using a clean cloth if available, apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding.
  3. Call for Help: Dial 911 or get someone else to do it.
  4. Wait for Professional Medical Help: Try to stay calm and still to prevent further injury or blood loss.

Always seek professional medical help after a shark bite, even if the injury seems minor.

Most Common People to Get Bitten

Surfers and those participating in board sports account for the majority of shark bites, due to the splashing and irregular movements that can attract sharks. Swimmers and waders are the next most common group to be bitten. It’s worth noting that while the risk is there, the probability of experiencing a shark bite is incredibly low, lower than many other water-related risks.

Remember, sharks aren’t out to get humans. Most bites are exploratory or mistaken identity. Practicing safe behaviors like avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk, staying in groups, and avoiding areas where sharks are known to be can reduce the already low risk even further.

See A Map Of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach:

The Daytona Beach shoreline really starts in Ormond Beach just north of Daytona Beach.  Heading south the shore line extends to Ponce De Leon Inlet.  On either side of the inlet are the cities of Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach.  

This is the area where they call it the shark attack capital or area of the world.  In fact, there are jetties on either side of this inlet which creates a break in the ocean waves.  Some of the best surfing in the area happens here and it happens on the Ponce Inlet side!

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