- Alligator vs. sharks: According to data from The Florida Museum, across the Southeastern U.S., there is a fatality rate of 4.3% in alligator attacks and 5% in shark attacks.
- Lightning vs. sharks: Between 1959 and 2010 in the United States, a total of 1,970 fatalities due to lightning and 26 fatalities due to shark attacks. There were 974 shark attacks in this same period. Take into consideration that a lot more people are likely exposed to lightning than swimming at the beaches.
- Florida boating vs. shark: From 2002 to 2013 there were 8,979 boating accidents in Florida, and 261 shark attacks. In the same period there were 782 boating fatalities and shark attacks left two people dead. The fatality rate is eight times higher for boating accidents than shark attacks, 8.7% vs. 0.77%, respectively.
- Swim in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack someone swimming alone.
- Sharks are most active during dawn and dusk. Avoid swimming during these times.
- Sharks have a keen ability to smell blood. Do not enter the water when bleeding with open wounds or while menstruating.
- Shiny jewelry might resemble the sheen of fish scales and attract sharks. Avoid wearing jewelry.
- Murky, contaminated waters, especially waters used for any type of fishing, signal food for sharks. For this same reason you should avoid swimming where people are fishing.
- High contrast color clothing or gear is especially visible to sharks, the contrast draws a shark's attention.
- Erratic movements like excess splashing draw a shark's attention.
- Swim near the shore, stay away from the area between sandbars near steep drop-offs. Sharks love these areas.
- Never harass a shark.