Are FL vacations worth the drive from GA right now? Experts explain recent shark attacks
Our favorite beaches have recently gotten quite a bit more dangerous as multiple shark attacks have been reported. This is both incredibly scary and a giant bummer for folks who spend a lot of the summer in the Florida panhandle.
Florida authorities have been flying double red and purple flags and issuing a $500 fine to swimmers who enter the water because the situation is becoming more dangerous.
Why is this happening right now?
Large schools of menhaden have been spotted in Walton County waters. Bull and black sharks often feed on this fish and could be chasing their food source.
The sandbar has moved closer inland, making it more accessible for both humans and sharks. This could possibly trap sharks in low tide, making them more likely to bite.
Warmer waters correlate with higher shark incidents, especially black sharks (which is the suspected species in the attacks).
Since the attacks occurred in the afternoon, an unusual time for shark activity, it may have just been a fluke of timing for both the sharks and the humans.
Shark mating season is in full swing currently making the sharks more likely to participate in unusual or more assertive behaviors.
If you’re still determined to get your beach on, you can avoid shark encounters with a little bit of forethought. The Florida Museum at the University of Florida offers some tips:
To avoid sharks:
Most of the recent attacks have occurred just off the sandbar in waist-deep water, so the first thing to do is don’t go to the sandbar.
Don’t wander too far from the shore - this can put you in their territory and isolate you from a speedy rescue.
Swim with a buddy - sharks are more likely to attack solitary prey.
Avoid the water at dawn and dusk - this is the most common feeding time.
Avoid shiny jewelry - the reflection could mimic the sheen of fish scales.
Stay out of murky water - sharks may have a hard time identifying, and thus avoiding you.
Don’t wear suits with brightly colored or highly contrasting colors - sharks see contrasts exceptionally well.
Refrain from frenetic splashing in a single spot - sharks will hear the frequencies and could come to investigate.
Even though the Florida heat makes staying out of the water almost impossible, it might be a good idea to steer clear of the Gulf for a while.
What are your thoughts about these shark attacks? Any theories?
Sound off in the comments, or you can email me and find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published June 11, 2024 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Are FL vacations worth the drive from GA right now? Experts explain recent shark attacks."
