MYTH

Of over 500 shark species, only about 10 are considered dangerous to humans. Most sharks are harmless.

Source: Shark Species and Human Risk - NOAA Fisheries

FACT

About 95% of shark attacks happen in water less than 6 feet deep, simply because that's where most people swim.

Source: International Shark Attack File Statistics

FACT

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 1 million, while shark attack odds are about 1 in 11.5 million.

Source: Shark Attack vs Lightning Strike Odds - Florida Museum

FACT

Sharks first appeared around 400 million years ago, while dinosaurs appeared around 230 million years ago.

Source: Ancient Sharks - Natural History Museum

MYTH

While reported attacks may increase due to better reporting and more people in the water, actual attack rates remain very low.

Source: Shark Attack Trends - International Shark Attack File