When and where are shark bites more likely?

Shark bites are more likely near shore, inside or between sandbars, near steep drop-offs, and during darkness or twilight.

How can swimmers lower the risk of a shark bite?

Stay close to shore, swim with a group, avoid darkness and twilight, and stay out when a wound is bleeding. Leave shiny jewelry at home and avoid brightly colored swimwear.

Shark safety

Lower your risk of a shark bite

Shark bites are extremely unlikely for people at Atlantic beaches.

Sources checked August 21, 2026: NOAA Ocean Service beach dangers guide (opens in a new tab) and NOAA Fisheries shark myths guide (opens in a new tab) .

When and where risk is higher

Near shore, inside or between sandbars, where sharks can become trapped by low tide.
Near steep drop-offs, where prey gather.
During darkness or twilight.

Lower your risk

Stay close to shore.
Swim with a group.
Stay out of the water during darkness or twilight.
Stay out of the water when a wound is bleeding.
Leave shiny jewelry at home.
Avoid brightly colored swimwear.

When to leave the water

If a wound starts bleeding, leave the water and stay out while it is bleeding.

Source: NOAA Ocean Service beach dangers guide (opens in a new tab) · Source: NOAA Fisheries shark myths guide (opens in a new tab)

Shark safety questions

How likely is a shark bite at an Atlantic beach?: Shark bites are extremely unlikely for people at Atlantic beaches.; Source: NOAA Fisheries shark myths guide (opens in a new tab)
When and where are shark bites more likely?: Shark bites are more likely near shore, inside or between sandbars, near steep drop-offs, and during darkness or twilight.; Source: NOAA Ocean Service beach dangers guide (opens in a new tab)
How can swimmers lower the risk of a shark bite?: Stay close to shore, swim with a group, avoid darkness and twilight, and stay out when a wound is bleeding. Leave shiny jewelry at home and avoid brightly colored swimwear.; Source: NOAA Ocean Service beach dangers guide (opens in a new tab)
What should I do if a wound starts bleeding while I swim?: If a wound starts bleeding, leave the water and stay out while it is bleeding.; Source: NOAA Ocean Service beach dangers guide (opens in a new tab)