The number of shark attacks in South Africa is on the rise. In the past decade, there have been more than 100 attacks, with the majority occurring in the Western Cape. This increase is likely due to the growing popularity of water sports, such as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. With more people in the water, the chances of an encounter with a shark are also increasing. While most attacks are not fatal, they can still be traumatic and cause serious injuries. There are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of being attacked by a shark, such as avoiding areas where they are known to frequent, swimming in groups, and wearing bright clothing.
The History of Shark Attacks in South Africa
Since the early 1800s, there have been reports of shark attacks in South Africa. Shark attacks are relatively rare, but they do occur. Most attacks occur in the waters of the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, where there are large populations of great white sharks. In recent years, there have been an average of four to five shark attacks each year in South Africa. While most of these attacks are not fatal, they can be devastating for the victim and their families. Shark attack prevention is an important part of beach safety in South Africa.
The Statistics of Shark Attacks in South Africa
According to the International Shark Attack File, South Africa ranks 5th in the world for the number of unprovoked shark attacks with a total of 92 attacks between 1990 and 2017. Of these, only 4 have been fatal. The majority of attacks (60%) have occurred in the Western Cape Province, with the majority of those happening in Gansbaai.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high number of shark attacks in South Africa. The warm water and abundance of prey make it a popular destination for sharks. The Western Cape also has many beaches that are popular with surfers and swimmers, providing more opportunities for encounters.
