It is best to avoid areas where seals are more abundant, or else a shark may mistake you for its food. Swim Close to Shore – It is pretty unlikely that a shark will be close to shore when the beach is crowded. Even if one is, you can safely get to shore because it would be close by.

Swimming in Cape Cod is generally safe, but in 2026, it requires "Shark Smart" vigilance. Due to a flourishing seal population, there has been a significant increase in Great White Shark activity, particularly on the "Outer Cape" (the Atlantic-facing beaches like Nauset and Marconi). To stay safe, experts advise not swimming deeper than waist-high, avoiding water near seals, and staying out of the water at dawn and dusk when sharks are most active. Many beaches now fly "Purple Flags" to indicate a recent shark sighting and utilize the Sharktivity App for real-time alerts. Beyond wildlife, swimmers must be wary of powerful rip currents and undertows, which cause more rescues than sharks do. By swimming only at "Lifeguarded" beaches and following the "Stop the Bleed" training protocols posted at kiosks, the vast majority of the millions of annual visitors enjoy the Cape's iconic waters without any incident.