Drone Pilot Sights Sharks Off Dunedin Memorial Day Weekend: Video

DUNEDIN, FL — Those considering taking a dip in the waters along the coast of Pinellas County might want to be on the lookout for sharks.

Drone pilot John Yanchoris, a former firefighter, recently captured shivers of sharks along the coast of Dunedin early Saturday and Sunday mornings.

While, for the most part, sharks keep their distance from people, the United States recorded the most unprovoked shark bites in 2022 in the world, with 41 confirmed cases. This is lower than the 47 incidents that occurred in the U.S. in 2021. The 41 cases represent 72 percent of the worldwide total, according to the International Shark Attack File, which investigates and tracks shark bites around the world.

In the U.S., Florida ranks No. 1 for shark bites. There were 16 unprovoked shark bites in Florida in 2022, which is down from Florida's most recent five-year average of 22 shark bites.

Coming in second was New York with eight bites, Hawaii with five bites, California with four bites, South Carolina with four bites and North Carolina with two bites.

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In Florida, Volusia County had the most shark bites (seven), representing 44 percent of the state’s total. Four occurred in Monroe County, and single incidents were reported in Martin, Nassau, Pinellas, Brevard and Palm Beach counties.

About 43 percent of those bitten were swimming or wading at the time, while 35 percent were surfing or participating in other board sports, 9 percent were snorkeling or free diving and 13 percent were jumping in the water, floating on a raft or scuba diving.

Nevertheless, according to the ISAF, the total number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide is extremely low, given the number of people participating in aquatic recreation in the ocean each year. Fatality rates have been declining for decades, reflecting advances in beach safety, medical treatment and public awareness.

If you are concerned about sharks, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
• Do not wander too far from shore. This isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
• Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
• Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's ability to smell blood is acute.
• Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
• Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing, especially if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fish, 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.
• Use extra caution when waters are murky.
• Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
• Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark's attention.
• Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
• Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
• Never harass a shark.

To see more of Yanchoris' drone videos, visit his YouTube channel, Pinellas Through the Lens.