With Friday marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic film “Jaws,” many Americans are paying tribute to sharks even as reports of recent attacks grab headlines.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, a swimmer was bitten on the leg while in South Carolina, according to Hilton Head Fire and Rescue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A nine-year-old girl was also recently bitten while snorkeling off Boca Grande, Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n
DAREDEVIL TO SWIM SHARK-FILLED WATERS IN CELEBRATION OF ‘JAWS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n There have been 47 unprovoked shark bites<\/a> globally in 2024, with 28 taking place in the U.S., according to the Florida Museum of Natural History\u2019s International Shark Attack File (ISAF).<\/p>\n Florida beaches have logged the highest number of shark attacks, with 942 unprovoked bites since 1837.<\/p>\n Hawaii has 199, while California has 141, ISAF has noted.<\/p>\n Activist Julie Andersen, founder of the New York-based Shark Angels, told Fox News Digital that recent attacks do not indicate an increase in sharks in the oceans.\u00a0<\/p>\n SHARKS SURROUND SNORKELING TOURIST DURING WILD ENCOUNTER: ‘THEY LOOKED TERRIFYING’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “The rise in sightings is due to a mix of factors: more people in the water, better technology, shifting ocean conditions, and in some cases, successful conservation,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Today, more swimmers, surfers and beachgoers<\/a> are capturing and sharing their experiences.”<\/p>\n She added, “With drones, GoPros and social media, encounters that once went unnoticed are now widely shared. Sharks have always been there. We\u2019re just seeing them more often.”<\/p>\n Shark Angels is dedicated to shark conservation<\/a> by transforming fear into fascination and promoting education to dispel myths about sharks, the group notes.<\/p>\n RARE 16TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK FOUND AT RECORD DEPTH IN FRENCH WATERS: ‘REMARKABLE DISCOVERY’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Andersen said that in places like California or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, white shark populations are rebounding “thanks to decades of protection.” She said their return is a sign of healthier oceans.<\/p>\n The American Association for the Advancement of Science estimates about 274,000 sharks are killed globally each day.<\/p>\n Andersen said several beach communities<\/a> are seeing higher numbers of sharks this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Based on trends over the past few years, shark behavior is clearly shifting,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “From the West Coast to the East Coast and even parts of Mexico, sightings are increasing in places like California, Cape Cod, the Carolinas, Florida, and Baja.”<\/p>\n Andersen said, “New Smyrna Beach in Florida holds the title of \u2018shark bite capital of the world.’ Located in Volusia County, it consistently tops global charts for shark encounters.”<\/p>\n For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com\/lifestyle<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n She also said that “most of these bites are minor, often from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish. Many don\u2019t even require stitches.”<\/p>\n One daring endurance athlete is paying a special tribute to “Jaws” by swimming 62 miles\u00a0around the island of Martha\u2019s Vineyard in Massachusetts \u2014 where the film was set.<\/p>\n Lewis Pugh said his goal is to raise awareness of the need to protect sharks and to change public perception of the mighty fish.<\/p>\n Pugh said the popular 1975 movie<\/a> showcased sharks as “villains, as cold-blooded killers,” he told The Associated Press (AP).\u00a0<\/p>\n “It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for 50 years, we have been attacking sharks \u2026 It\u2019s completely unsustainable. It\u2019s madness. We need to respect them,” Pugh told AP.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Not sure what to do if you encounter a shark in the water?<\/p>\n The folks at Shark Angels shared some insights to consider.<\/p>\n 1. “If a shark comes near you in the water, stay calm. Do not panic.”<\/p>\n 2. “Make and maintain eye contact. Sharks are opportunistic predators and prefer an easy target. When they know you see them, they are much less likely to approach.”<\/p>\n 3. “Avoid flailing, yelling or trying to hit the shark. Quick, erratic movements can trigger a response.”<\/p>\n 4. “Instead, move slowly and steadily. Keep your eyes on the shark and calmly head toward shore or safety.”<\/p>\n 5. “Do not act like prey. Just as you would not run from a lion or a bear<\/a>, do not flee from a shark.”<\/p>\n