Drones Reveal Surprising Shark Presence Near Humans Surfing and Swimming

The growing popularity of flying drones is showing us amazing aerial views of our oceans and has revealed something rather surprising: lots of sharks swimming right alongside surfers and swimmers. Does this mean there are more sharks in shallow waters today? No, in reality, these sharks have always been there — we’re just able to see them better thanks to today’s technology. In fact, contrary to popular depictions, sharks — even great white sharks — commonly live and swim near humans without causing any issues!

Do Sharks Attack Humans?

Shark attacks on humans are very rare. You’re much more likely to be struck by lightning or even bitten by another human. However, shark attacks do happen on rare occasions.

Great white sharks mainly hunt seals and sea lions, attacking them from below. Scientists believe the sharks may mistake surfers for their usual prey, as visual simulations show that a human on a surfboard, or even a human swimmer at the surface, looks similar to a seal’s silhouette. Many bites are likely cases of mistaken identity rather than intentional attacks.

Great white sharks also use their mouths to explore their surroundings and “sample” objects before actually eating them. Often, after just one bite, they’ll release what they’ve bitten, especially if it’s a human. They also do this with floating objects like rafts and surfboards. Sharks are curious animals and often they are simply exploring their world. The problem is that their exploration involves very sharp teeth that can cause serious injuries.

Annual Shark Attack Numbers

In 2024, there were 71 confirmed shark bites worldwide, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). 47 of these were unprovoked, and most happened while people were swimming or wading in the water. These numbers include all types of sharks — not just great whites — showing that shark bites in general are less common than often portrayed.

Looking back at ISAF records since 1755, there have been 351 great white shark bites, or roughly one bite every 1.3 years. Of those, 59 were fatal, or about one death every 7.5 years. This again shows that great white shark attacks and deaths are very uncommon.

However, great white shark bites have increased in recent decades, likely because more people are spending time in the ocean. But the good news is that fatalities are much lower! Before 1950, 92% of great white shark bites were fatal. Today, it’s only around 15% due to quicker access to medical care.

How Dangerous Is a Great White Shark?

Great white sharks are among the most dangerous sharks to humans, mainly because of their size, strength, and powerful bite — a shocking 4,000 pounds per square inch! They also have 3-inch-long serrated teeth designed to quickly and efficiently tear through prey.

While great white sharks are definitely dangerous predators, humans actually kill far more sharks than sharks kill humans. Great whites are hunted for their teeth, fins, and meat. They are considered a vulnerable species and are struggling due to pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing.

Staying Safe in Shark Territory

When we go into the ocean, we’re stepping straight into the sharks’ home, where they’re just living their lives. Just because we want to swim or surf doesn’t mean they’ll stop doing what they do every day. Thanks to drones and modern technology, we can now see just how many sharks swim near humans without incident. In fact, a recent study found that 97% of the time, there were sharks near surfers in the water.

This YouTube video shows a young great white shark swimming terrifyingly close to people. Even though one person’s splashing seems to have attracted the shark’s attention, it eventually changes course and leaves everyone unharmed.

Sharks are built for the ocean — and we are not. It’s hard for us to see everything around us in the water, so it’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. If you see a shark, stay calm. Don’t splash or swim away quickly, as this can trigger the shark’s hunting instincts. Instead, slowly and calmly move toward the shore or other people. Sharks are less likely to attack groups.

If you’re snorkeling or diving, keep eye contact with the shark, as this can make you appear less like a vulnerable prey animal. Try to keep something between you and the shark, like your board or flippers.

If a shark does try to bite or ram you, hit it hard on the snout. This area is very sensitive for sharks, as it is full of receptors they use to find prey.