Great White Sharks Attacks: What Experts Say About Staying Safe in the Water

Rising reports of great white shark sightings and attacks are fueling public concern about ocean safety, particularly in areas once considered low-risk.

Scientists warn that climate change is altering marine ecosystems and migration patterns, bringing sharks into closer contact with people.

While fatal incidents remain rare, experts say better awareness of shark behaviour and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to reducing risks.

Sightings Surge in Unfamiliar Waters

Great white sharks are appearing in unexpected locations, from the chilly coasts of Norway to crowded beaches in Maine and Cape Cod.

According to marine biologists, warming ocean temperatures are expanding the range of these apex predators, allowing them to venture into waters once deemed unsuitable for their survival.

'We're witnessing evolutionary adaptation in real-time,' said Dr Marina Chen, a shark migration specialist. Her research documents a 240-mile northward range expansion since 2020, with satellite tracking confirming year-round presence in previously seasonal territories.

Attack Incidents Prompt Safety Review

On 5 July 2025, a routine offshore drill turned into a fight for survival when a massive great white shark breached the surface and attacked a sea drill crew. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has intensified calls for improved safety measures during marine operations.

While fatal shark attacks remain rare, experts caution that increased human-shark interaction raises the risk of injury. Most unprovoked shark bites occur in shallow, nearshore waters, especially in surf zones, often when surfers or swimmers may be misidentified as prey.

Understanding Shark Behaviour

Despite their fearsome reputation, great white sharks do not actively seek out humans. Shark researcher Dr Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, has emphasised that many shark attacks are exploratory in nature, with sharks using 'test bites' to investigate unfamiliar objects rather than to hunt humans. He notes that sharks are generally cautious and often retreat after a single bite.

Each year, an average of 60 to 65 unprovoked shark bites are reported worldwide. These incidents occur without any human behaviour that might provoke the animal, unlike provoked bites, which typically result from people feeding, touching, or harassing sharks. Of the unprovoked cases, only around six per year are fatal.

Given the millions of people who swim in the ocean annually, the risk of a shark encounter is extremely low. Statistically, you're more likely to be struck by an asteroid than killed by a shark.

However, to further reduce the already minimal risk, experts stress the importance of understanding shark behaviour. Avoiding erratic movements, refraining from wearing shiny jewellery, and steering clear of areas with active fishing or seal populations can significantly lower the chance of an encounter.

Safety Tips for Swimmers and Surfers

Public education campaigns have ramped up in response to the recent surge in sightings. Lifeguards and coastal authorities now advise beachgoers to follow these basic safety guidelines:

• Swim in groups and stay close to shore.
• Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
• Refrain from entering the water with open wounds.
• Pay attention to local advisories and shark flag warnings.
• Use shark deterrent devices when surfing or diving.

Technological advances have also improved early warning systems. Drones equipped with thermal imaging and AI-powered tracking software are being deployed in high-risk zones to monitor shark activity and alert lifeguards in real time.

Climate Change and the Future of Shark Safety

The expansion of significant white shark territory is part of a broader ecological shift driven by climate change. As ocean temperatures rise and prey distribution changes, sharks are adapting rapidly, often faster than human safety infrastructure can keep up.

New breeding grounds have emerged in places like Oregon's coastal inlets, replacing historic pupping sites in California. Juvenile sharks are now being spotted in shallow bays where children swim, underscoring the urgency of updated safety protocols and public awareness campaigns.

While great white sharks remain a symbol of oceanic danger, experts stress that fear should not override facts. With better understanding, improved technology and responsible behaviour, the risks can be managed, even as shark populations shift in response to a changing planet.