6 ways to reduce the risk of shark attacks

Experts share 6 critical safety tips for August shark activity surge

California experts have outlined essential precautions against sharks that move closer to shore, particularly from August. Tips range from choosing the right beach to behaving safely in the water to minimize the risk of shark bites.

Scraper SystemJuly 31, 2026, 08:55 PM

Experts share 6 critical safety tips for August shark activity surge

Shark activity in coastal waters increases during the summer. Experts note that from August onward, these creatures move closer to shore due to migration and feeding, and they have shared vital safety advice for swimmers and beachgoers.

Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, confirmed that an increase in white shark activity has been observed this year. 'We expect to see even more sharks along the Southern California coast in August, September, or October,' Lowe said.

Wyatt Wernath, spokesman for the American Lifeguard Association and retired ocean rescue chief, said that typical numbers have been recorded this season, but that there have been 'a few minor bites on heels and toes.'

1. Check beach conditions before you go

When visiting a new beach, you should find out where lifeguards are stationed and check the likelihood of shark sightings, rip currents, and other hazards. Wernath stressed the importance of understanding the beach flag system. A red flag means high hazard, yellow calls for caution, and green indicates low risk. A purple or blue flag signals the presence of marine life, while the red-and-blue combination indicates dangerous creatures such as sharks or hazardous jellyfish.

2. Pay attention to other animal behavior

Unusual movements of fish, birds, or seals in the water can signal that a predator may be nearby. Wernath warned, 'If you see bubbles on the surface, that indicates fish are fleeing from predators. Don't go in the water; get out.' Erratic diving by birds is a similar danger sign. Lowe advised staying away from dead marine animals that could attract sharks. 'If a seal climbs onto your surfboard, it's not trying to bond with you. It's probably trying to get out of the water because there's a big shark,' he said.

3. Avoid venturing too far from shore

While 'toe-biter' sharks can be found very close to shore in Florida, deeper waters hold greater risks. Lowe said, 'As people venture farther into the open ocean, they encounter shark species that haven't seen humans before. So you're perceived as a novelty.' Noting that activities like spearfishing and kayak fishing are especially risky, Lowe added, 'If you dangle your legs in the water while kayak fishing and you have a bloody fish beside you, an excited shark might mistake your leg for a fish.'

4. Don't swim at dawn or dusk; never swim alone

Dawn and dusk are the most active feeding times for many shark species. Lowe recommended avoiding murky water and shiny jewelry that might mimic fish scales, as sharks could mistake humans for prey. Noting that swimming in a group statistically lowers the chance of being bitten, Lowe said, 'If something goes wrong, others can help.'

5. React quickly and correctly if you encounter one

In a close encounter, it's important to tell whether a fin belongs to a shark or to a dolphin or a ray. Dolphins and rays typically show a single fin and disappear, while sharks expose both dorsal and tail fins. Wernath explained, 'The tail fin moves with more of a sweeping motion. It doesn't submerge slowly like a submarine or roll and dive like a dolphin.' If you spot a shark, you should calmly get out of the water. Lowe said, 'Don't splash, don't make noise. If you're on a surfboard or bodyboard, pull yourself up and don't look like prey.' Advising to back away slowly while maintaining eye contact, Lowe added, 'If the shark comes close, give it a good punch on the nose. I think people need to show sharks that they shouldn't come near us.'

6. Respect sharks' habitat

Experts say the key to safely coexisting with sharks is to respect their habitat and natural behavior. Wernath noted that sharks are much smarter than people think and that they carefully evaluate prey before attacking. Lowe stressed that the biggest misconception is that if a shark is nearby, it will definitely bite. 'Based on drone data we've gathered over the past six years, we see white sharks around people almost daily, and most of the time they ignore them. This clearly shows that humans are not on any shark's menu,' he said.

Experts share 6 critical safety tips for August shark activity surge