Known as the Shark Bite Capital of the WorldNew Smyrna Beach is home to around 40 different types of sharks, though the most common types of sharks are blacktip and lemon sharks. Neither of these types of sharks are particularly aggressive. However, the sheer amount of sharks in the area makes incidents more likely.
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Located in Central Florida, New Smyrna Beach has earned the reputation as the Shark Attack Capital of the World. The area is known for a significant frequency of shark encounters, with blacktip and spinner sharks being the primary species involved.
Florida has seven of the nation's 10 “deadliest beaches,” according to a travel survey, and shark attacks were a key factor. New Smyrna Beach, 105 miles southeast of Jacksonville, topped the list with 32 shark attacks since 2010, Travel Lens reports.
Siesta Key, Santa Rosa Beach, and Key Biscayne are among the safest beach towns in Florida with low crime rates and welcoming locals. Visitors to Anna Maria Island can enjoy the beautiful beaches and a tight-knit community that prioritizes safety.
“Don't go swimming far out. Stay in close. Stay near people,” Hueter said. Despite Florida being the shark bite capital of the world, the risk is still incredibly low.
Be Aware of Rip Currents. Rip Currents are very common on the East Coast of Central Florida. Those that are unaware of the rip current environment can get into trouble quickly, and often without warning. Waves and currents can knock you off your feet even in knee-deep water.
Slowly back awayTry not to thrash and splash around as you gradually swim backwards toward shore. “You must try and keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try and swim backwards and get into shallow water. Again, you've got to be careful – large sharks can attack in very shallow depths.”
Marco Island, FLSouth of Naples and straight west of Miami sits Marco Island. This barrier island in southwest Florida is a popular vacation spot, with plentiful beaches, waterways and resorts. With a low property and violent crime rate, it's the safest city in Florida.