Beaches with most shark attacks as Americans pay tribute to 'Jaws' and activist weighs in

With Friday marking the th anniversary of the iconic film Jaws a great number of Americans are paying tribute to sharks even as reports of latest attacks grab headlines On Tuesday a swimmer was bitten on the leg while in South Carolina according to Hilton Head Fire and Rescue A nine-year-old girl was also in recent times bitten while snorkeling off Boca Grande Florida DAREDEVIL TO SWIM SHARK-FILLED WATERS IN CELEBRATION OF 'JAWS' TH ANNIVERSARYThere have been unprovoked shark bites globally in with taking place in the U S according to the Florida Museum of Natural History s International Shark Attack File ISAF Florida beaches have logged the highest number of shark attacks with unprovoked bites since Hawaii has while California has ISAF has noted Activist Julie Andersen founder of the New York-based Shark Angels described Fox News Digital that latest attacks do not indicate an increase in sharks in the oceans SHARKS SURROUND SNORKELING TOURIST DURING WILD ENCOUNTER 'THEY LOOKED TERRIFYING' The rise in sightings is due to a mix of factors more people in the water better equipment shifting ocean conditions and in selected cases profitable conservation she commented In the present day more swimmers surfers and beachgoers are capturing and sharing their experiences She added With drones GoPros and social media encounters that once went unnoticed are now widely shared Sharks have constantly been there We re just seeing them more often Shark Angels is dedicated to shark conservation by transforming fear into fascination and promoting development to dispel myths about sharks the group notes RARE TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK DISCOVERED AT RECORD DEPTH IN FRENCH WATERS 'REMARKABLE DISCOVERY'Andersen reported that in places like California or Cape Cod Massachusetts white shark populations are rebounding thanks to decades of protection She disclosed their return is a sign of healthier oceans The American Association for the Advancement of Science estimates about sharks are killed globally each day Andersen declared several beach communities are seeing higher numbers of sharks this summer Based on trends over the past limited years shark behavior is clearly shifting she announced From the West Coast to the East Coast and even parts of Mexico sightings are increasing in places like California Cape Cod the Carolinas Florida and Baja Andersen mentioned New Smyrna Beach in Florida holds the title of shark bite capital of the world ' Located in Volusia County it consistently tops global charts for shark encounters For more Lifestyle articles visit foxnews com lifestyleShe also revealed that majority of of these bites are minor often from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish Numerous don t even require stitches One daring endurance athlete is paying a special tribute to Jaws by swimming miles around the island of Martha s Vineyard in Massachusetts where the film was set Lewis Pugh announced his goal is to raise awareness of the need to protect sharks and to change inhabitants perception of the mighty fish Pugh explained the popular movie showcased sharks as villains as cold-blooded killers he recounted The Associated Press AP It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for years we have been attacking sharks It s thoroughly unsustainable It s madness We need to respect them Pugh reported AP CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERNot sure what to do if you encounter a shark in the water The folks at Shark Angels shared specific insights to consider If a shark comes near you in the water stay calm Do not panic Make and maintain eye contact Sharks are opportunistic predators and prefer an easy target When they know you see them they are much less likely to approach Avoid flailing yelling or trying to hit the shark Quick erratic movements can trigger a response Instead move slowly and steadily Keep your eyes on the shark and calmly head toward shore or safety Do not act like prey Just as you would not run from a lion or a bear do not flee from a shark If you come across one in the wild give it space and stay composed Sharks are not looking for a human meal