A new study by the University of West Florida might make you think twice about taking a swim in the ocean anytime soon.
According to the university’s new report on shark attacks, Florida still has the world’s highest number of shark attacks her year, followed by states in South Africa and Australia.
However, based on swimmer-to-attack ratio, the numbers showed that South Carolina possessed the biggest risk for shark attacks due to a shorter swimming season.
There’s only ever been two recorded deadly shark attacks in South Carolina—both occurred in Charleston County with the last one taking place in 1852.
Last year, there were six reported shark attacks in South Carolina. Florida accounted for 49 percent of those shark attacks in the United States with a total of 23.
In the Palmetto State, the most recent shark attack took place on the Isle of Palms in July 2014. A 19-year-old New Jersey man reportedly suffered serious injuries to his arm and hand as he fended off a shark attack in the surf where he was vacationing with his family.
Fifty-six shark species inhabit the Carolina water with the Bull shark and Blacktip shark the main species involved in incidents with people in this area, the study stated.
The university’s report stated that the shark-attack rate for Charleston County is 34.65 times as high as the rest of the coastal areas for South Carolina.
It’s important to note that more than 200 million people visit U.S. beaches each year; therefore, the number of shark attacks is relatively small in comparison.
To view the study in its entirety, click here.
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