First of all, it is important to emphasise that sharks are fascinating animals whose presence in many waters around the world is an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem. And the animals are threatened by humans worldwide, including by fishing.

Nevertheless, sharks pose a potential danger to swimmers and surfers in certain regions. Here are some of the beaches with the highest risk of shark attacks.

New Smyrna Beach in Florida, USA, is often referred to as the Shark Capital of the World, as it has more documented shark attacks than anywhere else. The warm waters of the Atlantic attract a variety of shark species, including bull sharks, which are considered particularly aggressive.

Second Beach in Port St. Johns, South Africa, also has a high rate of shark attacks, especially by the dreaded great white. The beach is very popular, which has unfortunately led to an increased number of incidents.

The coast of Western Australia, particularly the beaches around Perth, are notorious for their shark attacks. The waters harbour a high density of great whites, attracted by the rich fishing grounds and sea lion colonies.

In Reunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, numerous fatal shark attacks have occurred since 2011, especially on the beaches of Saint-Paul and Saint-Gilles. The situation is so serious that surfing and swimming are banned on many of the island’s beaches.

The beaches of New South Wales in Australia, especially the Sydney area, also have a high number of shark attacks. In particular, the famous Bondi Beach is known for its regular sightings of great white sharks.

The beaches of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, USA, experience a number of shark attacks each year, especially during the summer months when the waters are warmer and more food is available for sharks.

Recife in Brazil is another hotspot for shark attacks, particularly by bull sharks and tiger sharks. The high attack rates have led to increased efforts to educate the public and expand safety measures.

While it is important to be aware of the potential risks, it is equally important to emphasise that shark attacks are very rare overall. In fact, the chances of being attacked by a shark are much lower than many other risks we take in our daily lives. It is also important to remember that sharks are wild animals that should be respected and protected, not feared.