Sharks are a natural and expected component of the marine environment off the South Carolina coast. Visitors to Charleston-area beaches, including Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island, should know that sharks are present seasonally. While human-shark interactions are rare, awareness about the species and their habitat helps swimmers safely enjoy the Atlantic waters.
Confirming Their Presence and Common Species
The warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Lowcountry attract several shark species, particularly during the warmer months between spring and fall. The most frequently sighted is the Blacktip Shark, which is abundant and often responsible for minor, exploratory bites. These sharks typically grow to about six feet long and feed in the shallow, inshore surf zones while chasing schools of fish. A smaller resident is the Bonnethead Shark, a type of hammerhead that is omnivorous and commonly observed cruising the edges of tidal creeks.
Larger species also inhabit the area, though they are less frequently encountered by beachgoers. Bull Sharks tolerate low-salinity water, allowing them to venture into the brackish estuaries and river mouths around Charleston. Juvenile Tiger Sharks are occasionally found closer to shore, while larger Great White Sharks migrate through the offshore waters during the winter months.
Where Sharks Are Found in the Charleston Area
Sharks are not evenly distributed but congregate in areas offering the best feeding and protection. The vast estuarine systems created by the Cooper and Edisto Rivers are particularly attractive, functioning as prime hunting and nursing grounds for juvenile sharks. These shallow, protected waters, such as Bulls Bay, offer abundant baitfish. Swimmers should be aware that areas near river mouths and harbor entrances are known aggregation points.
Coastal geography also influences shark location, with concentrations increasing around sandbars and steep drop-offs just offshore. Waters near fishing piers, such as the one at Folly Beach, attract sharks due to increased fishing activity and discarded fish scraps. The deeper holes and ledges around the jetties in Charleston Harbor are also frequented by several species looking to rest or ambush prey.
Understanding Risk and Local Statistics
Despite the common presence of several shark species, the probability of an encounter remains low, with Charleston County typically seeing only one or two incidents annually. Most reported interactions involve minor injuries and are believed to be exploratory bites resulting from poor visibility rather than deliberate attacks.
Some studies suggest that when accounting for the total number of people entering the water, the risk rate for swimmers in the Charleston area may be statistically higher than in other coastal regions. Swimmers at Folly Beach have been shown to have a higher likelihood of an encounter than those in some parts of Florida. Nevertheless, the risk remains exceptionally small, with people being far more likely to experience injury from rip currents or other common beach hazards.
Necessary Safety Measures for Swimmers
To minimize the chance of an interaction, adopt preventative behaviors while in the ocean. Avoid swimming during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, as many shark species are most active and feeding during these twilight periods. Swimmers should also stay out of the water if it is murky, cloudy, or affected by run-off, since poor visibility can cause sharks to mistake humans for their natural prey.
Always swim with a companion, as sharks are less likely to approach a group than a solitary individual. Remove shiny jewelry before entering the water because the reflections can mimic the sheen of fish scales. Swimmers should avoid areas close to fishing activity or where schools of baitfish are visible, often indicated by diving seabirds. Staying near the shore and following all instructions provided by local lifeguards are important steps for a safe visit.