Shark attack kills professional surfer; avoid the water in these U.S. states

Tamayo Perry passed away Sunday following a shark attack near the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. Perry, 49, was on duty as a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety Services when the attack occurred near Mālaekahana Beach.

First responders brought Perry ashore by jet ski, but despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead.

Perry, a native of O’ahu, had been professionally surfing for more than a decade. His remarkable skills and fearless approach made him a respected figure in the surfing community.

In addition to his amazing surfing skills, Perry had minor roles in “Blue Crush,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Perry also starred in ad campaigns for the Nissan Xterra SUV during the NFL playoffs and Winter Olympics and appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial.

Attacks in U.S.

The shark attack that claimed Perry’s life is a rare occurrence. In 2024, there have been 10 reported shark attack bites in the United States, with Hawaii recording two such incidents. Perry’s was the only fatal attack.

Annually, around 100 shark attack bites are reported worldwide, most of which are minor and result in quick recovery. Given the vast number of people who daily engage in water activities, the likelihood of a shark encounter is extremely low.

Shark attacks in Florida

Florida leads the United States in shark attacks, recording 16 bites in 2023, which accounted for 44% of the national total.

Volusia County had the highest number of incidents within the state, with eight unprovoked attacks, making up half of Florida’s total. New Smyrna Beach, located in Volusia County, is famously dubbed the “shark bite capital of the world.” Since 1882, Volusia County has documented 351 unprovoked shark bites.

Following Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, North Carolina, California and New York all have the highest number of shark bites in recent years.

If you are camping or visiting one of these states, follow the list below to minimize your risks of being attacked or bitten by a shark if you plan to go swimming at the beach.

Minimize your risk

While the relative risk of a shark bite is small, it is essential to minimize risks wherever possible. Here are some tips to reduce the chances of a shark encounter:

1. Always stay with a buddy, as sharks are more likely to approach a solitary individual.
2. Do not wander too far from shore, as isolation from emergency assistance can be dangerous.
3. Be cautious in areas between sandbars or near steep drop-offs, favorite spots for sharks.
4. Avoid water during low light hours (dawn or dusk) and at night when many sharks are most active.
5. It is advisable to stay out of the water if bleeding from an open wound.
6. Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry, which can resemble the sheen of fish scales.
7. Exercise caution in murky waters, as visibility is reduced for both humans and sharks.
8. Avoid wearing bright-colored or high-contrasting clothing, as sharks see contrast particularly well.
9. Refrain from excessive splashing, particularly in a single spot, as sharks can hear the low-frequency sounds from splashing.
10. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present. If sharks are seen, slowly and calmly evacuate the water.

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