It’s Officially Shark Season

It’s that time of year again! Just yesterday, Andrew Ritchie, Marine Safety Coordinator for St. Lucie County, FL, spotted about 125 spinner sharks just 150 to 300 yards of the beach.

In the spring, several species of sharks migrate through Treasure Coast waters in large numbers. According to statistics from the International Shark Attack File, St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties rank fourth, fifth and ninth, respectively in cumulative reported shark bites since 1882. Neighboring Brevard is second and Palm Beach is third trailing Volusia’s 210 total bite reports.

Ritchie says the sharks aren’t lurking around waiting to eat us they can “accidentally” mistake a hand or foot for a fish.

Here’s a few tips to better your odds of not becoming shark bait:

• Stay in groups in the water
• Do not stray from available assistance on shore
• Avoid being in the water during twilight or night time hours
• Don’t wear shiny jewelry
• Avoid swimming near fishermen or where there are signs of feeding
• Use extra caution where waters are murky
• Don’t splash or allow pets in the water
• Be careful near drop-offs and between sand bars
• Stay out of the water

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