FACT

About 95% of shark attacks happen in water less than 6 feet deep, simply because that's where most people swim.

Source: International Shark Attack File Statistics

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research

MYTH

While sharks have an excellent sense of smell, they can only detect blood from about a quarter mile away under ideal conditions.

Source: Shark Sensory Biology - Florida Museum

FACT

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 1 million, while shark attack odds are about 1 in 11.5 million.

Source: Shark Attack vs Lightning Strike Odds - Florida Museum

MYTH

Whale sharks are the largest, reaching up to 40 feet. Great whites typically reach 15-20 feet.

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF