Shark sightings increase along the coast during early summer
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast region draws unwanted attention from April through October, when sharks move closer to shore in the spring and summer. But the month of September has the most frequent, unprovoked shark attacks in the U.S., with south Florida having the most interactions. However, shark bites are still very rare, with humans 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark.
In 2023, Florida had 16 unprovoked shark bite incidents reported, which represents 44% of the United States total and 23% worldwide, according to CNN.
Volusia County had the most shark bites, and the others were reported in Brevard, St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Escambia and Pinellas counties.
There were no fatalities reported last year in the state as a result of the attacks.
How to Identify a Shark VS a Dolphin?
It is not that uncommon to see fins glide across the horizon when you are at the beach. Typically, these fins belong to a pod of dolphins, but how can you tell if it is a shark fin or a dolphin fin?
The best way to tell the difference between the dorsal fins is to look at the back edge of the fin. A dolphin has a curved fin, whereas shark's dorsal fins are more triangular and have a straight edge.
Staying Safe
There are ways you can minimize the risk of shark attack and have a great time in the water this summer.
- Avoid swimming in estuaries, deep water between sandbars and murky water
- Avoid areas near where people are fishing
- Don't swim during dusk and dawn
- Stay near lifeguards
- Don't wear shiny objects in the water
- Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
- Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing-especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fishes, are good indicators of such activity.
- While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.
- Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
- Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
2023 World's Deadliest Animals - Statista
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By OBA Staff • 21 Jun, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) advises the public that two recent successive tests of swimming water quality were poor. Swimming in this area may lead to an increased risk of illness. Monitoring will continue, and the advisory will be lifted once bacteria values fall below the Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milliliters for marine water.
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Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, around 11:00 PM, Foley Police responded to a stabbing on US Highway 98. Officers found that a fight between long-time partners escalated. Shau Yanite Pickens, 43, stabbed her boyfriend with a kitchen knife.
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By R. Ken Cooper • 21 Jun, 2024
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By R. Ken Cooper • 20 Jun, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – According to the Orange Beach Fire Department’s Facebook post, just before 4:00pm today, June 20, 2024, crews responded to a hazardous material call in the 27,000 block of Canal Road. The incident involved a chemical release at an outdoor pool, affecting ten children.
Celebrating National Seashell Day on the Gulf Coast
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By R. Ken Cooper • 20 Jun, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – While it may seem like summer’s been around for a couple of months already, today is actually the first day of summer. Today and tomorrow will be the longest days of the year, with the most sunlight of the year. Both days will see a sunrise at 5:45 AM, Sunset at 7:56pm giving us approximately 14 hours and 11 minutes of daylight. That’s just over 4 hours more sunlight today than on our shortest day of the year, which is December 21st.
