Statistics of Shark Attacks on Divers

The above graph illustrates the varying activities in which victims of shark attacks participate each decade. Wading and swimming was much more popular than diving or surfing in the first half of the century, while surfing and diving became more popularized towards the second half of the century and into this century. (Updated February 27, 2008)





These data list the various diving activities divers were participating in at the time of attack. As the data depict, snorkelers are attacked the most frequently of any divers. This is most likely due to the fact that more people snorkel than SCUBA dive worldwide. (Updated February 27, 2008)

Activities of Others in the Area of Unprovoked Attacks on Divers
(N=127 of at least one of the activities going on;
individuals may be represented in more than one category)

Activity	Attack (#)
Diving Underwater	112
Normal Bathing/Swimming	22
Wading	10
Other Activity	9
Splashing or Horseplay	5
Being Unusually Loud	4
Thrashing or Flailing	2
Surfing	2

These data list the various activities going on in the water near a shark attack. (Updated February 27, 2008)





As you can see, many of the attacks on divers occurred less than one hour after entering the water. This is mostly due to the fact that divers do not spend as long in the water compared to other water activities. The next graphs depict the activities of divers being struck less than an hour after entry into the water and more than an hour after entry into the water. (See Diving Activities of Victims of Unprovoked Attacks for more information). (Updated February 27, 2008)





These are the relative percentages of divers who participate in the listed activities who were attacked less than an hour after entry into the water. (Updated February 27, 2008)





These are the relative percentages of divers who participate in the listed activities who were attacked over an hour after entering the water. (Updated February 27, 2008)





This graph reflects the behavior patterns of humans. Nearly all shark attacks occur between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM and during the weekend, NOT because of the shark's daily activity cycles, but because these are the times of the day when divers go out in the water. (Updated January 29, 2008)





These graphs reflect the behavior patterns of humans. Most shark attacks on divers occur between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and during the weekend, NOT because of the shark's daily activity cycles, but because these are the times of the day when divers go out in the water. (Updated January 29, 2008)

© International Shark Attack File Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida