It's Shark Week: Here are the shark attack stats for NC

Shark attacks are very rare, but they are more likely to occur in North Carolina than in many other states.

Posted 2:22 p.m. Jul 26, 2018 — Updated 2:28 p.m. Jul 26, 2018

Shark Week runs July 22-29, and SafeWise is sharing its results of a survey conducted to monitor the frequency -- and likelihood -- of shark attacks.

Shark attacks are very rare, but they are more likely to occur in North Carolina than in many other states. According to a SafeWise study that counted shark attacks occurring between 2007 and 2016, North Carolina is the fifth most common state for attacks, with only 33 in a decade.

Florida tops the list, with 244 between 2007 and 2016, followed by Hawaii, South Carolina and California. Shark attacks have occurred in every coastal state.

What are the chances of getting attacked by a shark? Not great, statistics show.

According to SafeWise, humans are more likely to die from the flu, a car crash or even being struck by lightning.

Still nervous about hitting the ocean? Check out the following safety tips:

Swim in a group. Most sharks attack individuals, as they mistake humans for other ocean creatures.
Stay close to the shore. If you swim out too far, you’ll isolate yourself, be away from help and be closer to the shark’s territory.
Avoid swimming in the ocean at night: Sharks are most active at night.
Don’t go in the water if shark warnings are posted.
Be careful near sandbars and ocean drop offs.
Don't enter the water with an open wound.
Watch for sea life. Sharks eat fish, so if they see a school of fish, they’re likely to go for it.
Use common sense and be alert.

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