Shark Attack - Shark Encounters Surge Across U.S. Coasts as Summer Brings More People to the Water

Across the United States this year, shark activity continues to attract public attention, especially as summer brings more people to the coasts. Florida, which remains the country’s leading state for shark attacks according to World Population Review, has already seen two bite incidents in 2025, both unprovoked but nonfatal. These occurred in popular surf zones where swimmers and surfers frequently mix with sharks in shallow waters. A third attack took place in North Carolina, again without fatal outcome. Hawaii’s only incident so far involved a shark tour company employee near Haleiwa on Oahu’s north shore. In that case, the diver was caught in a bait ball intended for shark viewing tourists and suffered an arm injury, but surgeons were able to save the limb. That incident has been categorized as a provoked attack, since the shark was intentionally drawn to the vicinity, highlighting ongoing debates about the safety and regulation of shark tourism activities.

Looking at recent history, 2024 saw a higher tally in the US, with thirty-six attacks nationwide and nineteen of those in Florida. Most were unprovoked and nonfatal, but there was one fatality in California and another in Hawaii. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, worldwide shark attack numbers have remained relatively steady, with eighty-eight reported in 2024, though the US continues to lead globally in both total and nonfatal encounters.

Globally, Australia reports nine shark attack bites so far in 2025, with three resulting in fatalities. In one recent case, a Canadian tourist in Turks and Caicos lost both hands after attempting to photograph a shark in shallow water. Authorities there emphasized that this attack was provoked and urged visitors not to engage directly with marine life.

Recent studies point to several factors contributing to changing shark behavior and the rise in sightings near beachgoers. SI Yachts notes that human-driven habitat loss, ongoing shoreline development, and climate change are pushing sharks closer to areas where people swim and surf. Warming ocean temperatures and shifting prey patterns also play a role in altering traditional shark migration routes, sometimes resulting in unusual shark appearances in regions not accustomed to them.

In response, public safety measures are under constant review and expansion. Florida and Hawaii have bolstered beach patrols, posted signs at frequently visited beaches, and issued updated guidelines about avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk or in areas where sharks are actively feeding. Shark spotter programs, already common in Australia and South Africa, are being reassessed for broader implementation in popular US surf towns. Additionally, local governments regularly close beaches temporarily after confirmed sightings or attacks, and encourage the use of drone surveillance and real-time alerts to warn the public.

Authorities and researchers continue to stress that while shark attacks remain headline-worthy, the actual risk to individuals remains very low, and most incidents are nonfatal. Still, the importance of education and responsible behavior—such as not provoking or feeding marine life and heeding all posted warnings—remains central to keeping both humans and sharks safe as the season progresses.