Florida Shark Attacks in 2022: The Complete List

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Updated: October 19, 2022
Share on:

Advertisement


When you enter the water, remember that there’s always a risk of a shark encounter, along with other predators. After all, the ocean is their home, and shark attacks in Florida are somewhat more likely than in other locations due to the large influx of tourists every year to the state.

Knowing and understanding the risk is vital to avoiding accidents and keeping a level head whenever there is one. However, you do not need to worry whenever you’re on the Gulf Coast or on the Atlantic Coast of Florida.

Of course, you may take some precautions. For instance, don’t go to the water if you have a bleeding wound. Bright colors attract sharks, so if you know there’s been a shark incident in the area, you might want to skip on that yellow bikini.

If you are new to the location or visiting a new beach, ask lifeguards if there are shark sightings or check online reports for shark attacks in Florida. Knowing the area will help you decide how far you may want to go from the shore if you’re swimming.

We have compiled a list of Florida shark attacks that happened in 2022.

Florida Shark Attack: Loggerhead Key Island – January 22, 2022

Large Lemon Shark

A lemon shark was responsible for the attack on Loggerhead Key Island.

©Greg Amptman/Shutterstock.com

On January 22, 2022, 42-year-old Heather West was snorkeling near an uninhabited tropical island of Loggerhead Key when a 6-foot lemon shark grabbed her foot and it became another Florida shark attack. The group was at Little Africa Reef, which is 70 miles away from Key West. 

According to the report, West was watching a school of fish and noticed some sea grass floating weirdly. Her instincts kicked in, and she tried to get out of the water, but it was too late. She felt something was pulling her right foot. She thought her friends were pranking her, but she felt significant pressure on her foot when a second tug occurred. This time, she realized a shark had captured her. 

She bravely fought a 6-foot lemon shark by punching and kicking its body as it whipped its tail around. Although her foot ligaments and tendon had been damaged, she was grateful to Dr. Christopher Salgado and his team. They treated the massive gap on her right foot.

Florida Shark Attack: Cocoa Beach – February 10, 2022

While swimming, 18-year-old Gene Menchara-Lopez was shocked when a shark grabbed his foot. Fortunately, the lifeguards called 911. Medics were sent and wrapped Lopez’s foot. According to the report, he refused further medical attention in the hospital as he thought it unnecessary.

Florida Shark Attack: New Smyrna Beach – Several occurrences

Most aggressive sharks - blacktip shark

A blacktip shark attacked a 21-year-old male on the 9th of March.

©Gino Santa Maria/Shutterstock.com

  • New Smyrna Beach – March 9, 2022

9th Avenue public beach is located on the west side of Gulf Blvd. A 21-year-old male was fishing several meters away from the 9th Avenue public beach when a shark attacked him. The blacktip shark was said to have been provoked.

  • New Smyrna Beach – March 13, 2022

Only four days after the first shark attack incident in New Smyrna Beach in 2022, another 20-year-old male was bitten by a shark on his right foot. The incident happened on the shore, several meters away from 17th Avenue. 

  • New Smyrna Beach – March 19, 2022

Another shark attack happened on March 19, 2022, a few kilometers from Ocean Drive. Eric String, 20, was surfing when a shark attacked him.

  • New Smyrna Beach – July 3, 2022

A 28-year-old man was swimming in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, when a shark attacked him. He had a minor injury to his foot.

  • New Smyrna Beach – July 10, 2022

A 30-year-old male surfer was bitten on the right foot on the shores of North Atlantic Avenue. He received first aid and then drove himself to the hospital. The shark was estimated at 6 feet long and was thought to be chasing bait fish.

Florida Shark Attack: Lake Worth Pier – March 31, 2022

A 50-year-old male was fishing along the coast of Lake Worth Pier when a shark bit him on the knee. Although they took him to St. Mary’s Medical Center, his wound was not life-threatening.

Florida Shark Attack: Highland Beach – April 11, 2022

On April 11, 2022, an adolescent male was standing on the shore when a shark bit him. Highland Beach is one of the most exclusive coastal towns in Florida, located in Palm Beach County.

Florida Shark Attack: Redington Shores – June 23, 2022

An elderly woman was swimming along Redington Shores in Pinellas County, Florida when a bull shark bit her leg. Scientifically called Carcharhinus leucas, bull sharks prefer warm, shallow coastal water and rivers as they can survive freshwater for long periods.

Florida Shark Attack: Gulf of Mexico – June 29, 2022

Bull shark facts - a group of bull sharks

A bull shark is thought to have been the cause of the attack on Keaton Beach.

©Katja Tsvetkova/Shutterstock.com

On June 29, 2022, 17-year-old Addison Bethea was with her family on Keaton Beach, near Grassy Island. The report said she was looking for scallops when a shark grabbed her leg. She punched the shark as she tried to go back to the surface. Her brother noticed blood all over her area, so he immediately swam to help her. The shark was described to be 9 feet long. They believed it was a bull shark because of the continued onslaught.

Florida Shark Attack: Florida Keys – June 29, 2022

Unfortunately, another woman was assaulted in the Florida Keys that same day. Lindsay Burns, 35, was swimming with her family in the Niles Channel near Tarpon Belly. She dived from the boat and resurfaced with a large laceration on her leg. Due to the severity, she was flown by the county’s Trauma Star Helicopter to Miami and received a blood transfusion on the helicopter.

FAQs about shark attacks in Florida in 2022

How many shark attacks have occurred in Florida in 2022?

As of July 14, 2022, there have been 12 shark attacks in Florida this year. Out of 12 shark attacks, none were fatal, and only one incident was provoked.

What month has the most shark attacks in Florida in 2022?

As of July 14, 2022, March has had the most shark attack incidents in Florida this year.

What is the most shark-infested beach in Florida?

New Smyrna Beach has the highest number of sharks in Florida. It is located in Volusia County.

Does Florida have shark-infested waters?

As of July 14, 2022, Florida has more shark attack incidents in 2022 than other parts of the world.

Where is the most shark attacks in Florida in 2022?

New Smyrna Beach has had more shark attacks than other parts of Florida. As of July 14, 2022, there had been five reports of shark incidents this year.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/BWFolsom


Share on:
About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.