Florida’s beaches are generally considered to be some of the best in the USA.
But, nevertheless, several coastal areas specially designed for swimming in this state have recently been ranked among the most dangerous to visit in the country.
Why?
Because of the sharks!
In this article, I would like to touch on the issue of safety: is it safe to swim on the beaches of Miami?
Is it worth it to be afraid of sharks and jellyfish?
I will also give some tips for those who are going on vacation there.
Are There Sharks in Miami Beach?
Yes, unfortunately, there are many different types of sharks.
Sharks live in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean near Miami.
Therefore, it is sometimes forbidden to swim on the beaches, not only because of the big waves but also if sharks are noticed nearby.
Types of Sharks Found in or near Miami Beach
There are three types of sharks most commonly seen off the coast: tiger, blue, blunt-nosed bull, and great white sharks.
They rarely hunt; rather, it is a reaction to the movements of numerous swimmers.
Manatees are sea cows that also come to the coast to frolic.
Despite the fact that these are quite peaceful animals, rescuers recommend that people get out of the water.
Manatees can often scare people with their size; the length of adult animals living in shallow water reaches 10 feet.
As for jellyfishes…
Jellyfish appear harmless until direct contact occurs.
The danger is represented by tentacles that leave a severe burn on the body.
In the Atlantic, off the coast of Florida, there are several jellyfish that are dangerous to humans.
One of them is the jellyfish Cyanea (Lion’s Mane).
The body, with a diameter of 8 feet, is completed by poisonous tentacles, collected in 8 bundles up to 98 feet long.
Cyanea is an unusually attractive sight; the tentacles resemble strands of matted hair or a lion’s mane.
Their touch causes deep skin lesions.
Jellyfish include other inhabitants of the Atlantic and warm seas, such as physalia or Portuguese boats.
They differ from jellyfish in that they live in colonies, where each individual performs a specific role.
Some wait for food; the second digests it; the third is responsible for the defense of the colony; and the fourth is responsible for reproduction.
The swimming bladder of the physalia is similar to the sail of a medieval ship: from above, it is bright red, and below, it is blue and shimmers from blue to purple.
It differs from ordinary jellyfish in that it moves along the surface of the sea and is able to move against the wind.
Strong gusts of wind throw physalia onto the land.
Do you want to take a closer look at the marine curiosity?
Do it from a distance.
After touching, you will feel severe pain and sticky mucus, which is not washed off with either water or special means.
Physalia venom causes swelling and inflammation of the wound.
The Portuguese man-of-war is considered the second-most dangerous jellyfish.
Are There Bull Sharks in Miami Beach?
Yes,there are bull sharks in Miami Beach.
Once, in 2017, 8 miles north of Miami Beach, a man was bitten by a Bull shark on Haulover Beach.
It was a bull shark (also known as a blunt shark), one of the most deadly ocean predators.
The shark was about 4–5 feet in size.
The bloodied man managed to get out of the water, where he was given first aid and taken to a local hospital.
Are There Great White Sharks in Miami Beach?
Yes, in early June 2022, oceanographers recorded the movements of two white sharks dangerously close to the coast of Miami.
One of them, a male named “Breton”, swims up to crowded places, not for the first time.
The first individual came into the view of experts on June 2.
This is also a male.
It is about 12 feet long and weighs 1644 pounds.
The shark appeared in the waters off Boynton Beach but quickly disappeared into the open ocean.
Shark Attacks in Miami Beach Stats
2021 Year
Two years ago, a nine-year-old boy who came with his family on vacation from Minnesota was swimming in the ocean.
The child went into the water, and a few minutes later he was attacked by a predatory fish.
The boy’s mother, Kristine Weiskoph, said she held her son’s hand while he was in the water.
Suddenly, the boy fell on his stomach.
Weiskoff saw the wound on his shoulder.
“He just gasped.
I looked down and saw a long shark swimming away.
I pulled him out of the water and ran to the beach,” she said.
2019 Year
The first victim of the attack was 20-year-old surfer Emily Comfort.
A shark bit her on the arm.
The girl was taken to the hospital, and now nothing threatens her life.
On the same day, half an hour after the first incident, the shark attacked 21-year-old surfer Riley Petrovich, biting his right leg.
Less than 24 hours after the first two bites, 51-year-old Peter Burbo was attacked by a 4-foot shark.
The fish bit the man on the right leg when he was swimming near the shore.
The victim told the rescuers that he hit the shark with his left foot, and only then did it swim away.
2017 Year
8 miles north of Miami Beach, a man was bitten by a shark on Haulover Beach.
According to preliminary information, it was a bull shark (also known as a blunt shark), one of the most deadly ocean predators.
In general, over the past 20 years, there have been only a few cases of shark attacks on people in Miami, none with a fatal outcome.
Is it Safe to Swim in South Beach, Miami?
It is safe when you know the safety rules.
If we are talking about the most popular beach in Miami, South Beach, then there have not been recorded incidents with sharks for many years.
But despite this, the likelihood of shark attacks in Miami exists, so when swimming in the ocean, you should always be vigilant and exercise caution.
Sharks periodically swim close to the shore.
Undoubtedly, when swimming in warm waters, you should always beware of sharks and jellyfish.
According to statistics, the largest number of incidents with jellyfish in Miami occur between February and April.
Tips for Avoiding Shark Attacks
The chance of being bitten by a shark “remains incredibly low,” according to the Florida Shark Research Program’s annual report.
Here is my advice on how you can keep yourselves safe by reducing the risk of attack:
- Remove reflective elements.
- Avoid places where people fish.
- Leave the water if you see a lot of bait.
- Swim in groups.
- Don’t swim too far from shore.
- Swim in front of the lifeguard.
- Do not swim in dim or dark light.
If you love to surf in this particular spot, chances are good that you will see a shark within 10 feet of you.
All surfers know this.
They regularly report seeing sharks.
