St. Augustine, a historic city on the northeast coast of Florida, is a popular destination for aquatic recreation, including surfing and swimming. The city lies within St. Johns County, a region that draws millions of visitors to its Atlantic beaches each year. Understanding the statistical probability of an encounter is the first step toward safety. Reliable data from scientific organizations provides the context necessary to assess the actual risk of a shark incident in this coastal area.
Historical Attack Data for St. Johns County
The total number of documented, unprovoked shark incidents in St. Johns County remains low when compared to other Florida hotspots. Records maintained by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) show that shark encounters in this area are infrequent, typically logging one or two incidents in a given year. For instance, the ISAF recorded one unprovoked incident in St. Johns County in 2024, continuing a long trend of minimal annual activity. Despite the high volume of human activity, the probability of an unprovoked bite in the waters of St. Johns County is exceedingly small.
Common Circumstances and Severity of Incidents
Incidents that occur in St. Johns County are characterized as minor, exploratory bites, which scientists often classify as “hit-and-run” events. These typically involve smaller species of sharks, such as the Blacktip shark, which may mistake a human limb for natural prey in murky water conditions. Encounters are most commonly associated with board sports, like surfing, or wading in shallow water where visibility is reduced. The resulting injuries are almost always non-fatal, usually requiring only minor medical attention like stitches. ISAF defines an “unprovoked” incident as one that occurs in the shark’s natural habitat without any human initiation.
Contextualizing the Risk
The infrequency of shark incidents in St. Johns County is best understood when compared to other coastal regions in Florida. Florida consistently leads the world in the number of unprovoked shark bites, but this activity is highly concentrated in specific areas. Volusia County, located south of St. Johns County, frequently holds the unofficial title of the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” In 2024, Volusia County accounted for a large majority of Florida’s total incidents, recording eight unprovoked bites. St. Johns County’s single incident in the same year highlights the significant difference in risk profile between adjacent coastal counties.
Practical Safety Measures for Beachgoers
Understanding the low probability of a shark encounter does not replace the need for common-sense precautions when entering the ocean. Beachgoers should avoid swimming during periods of low light, such as dawn and dusk, since these are times when sharks are most actively feeding. It is advisable to always swim near a lifeguard station and to enter the water with a companion rather than alone. Refraining from wearing shiny jewelry is also recommended, as the flash can resemble the scales of a fish and attract the attention of a curious shark. Swimmers should also avoid areas where fishermen are actively working or where schools of fish are visible near the shore.