Do Sharks Attack Surfers Often

Do Surfers Ever Get Attacked by Sharks?

What the Experts Say

According to Gavin Naylor of the University of Florida, white shark attacks are likely due to "mistaken identity." Sharks often mistake surfers for their typical prey, such as seals or sea lions.

Shark Attacks in Western Australia

Shark attacks are not uncommon along the Western Australian coast. In 2017, 53 of the world's 88 reported shark attacks occurred in Western Australia.

While the risk of a shark attack is relatively low, it's important for surfers to be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions to minimize their risk. These precautions include:

• Surfing in groups.
• Avoiding areas where sharks are known to congregate.
• Avoiding surfing at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
• Not wearing jewelry or shiny clothing, which can attract sharks.

By following these precautions, surfers can help to reduce their risk of being attacked by a shark.