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What are your odds of a shark attack while surfing?

April 18, 11:29 AMHouston Surfing ExaminerJulie Leiendecker
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This weekend, learn more about sharks in a special project called Shark Weekend.
 
If you live in Florida, the odds for a shark attack are much higher. Luckily, Texas statistics have dispelled some of the fear of shark attacks by illuminating that apprehension with knowledge. While most people suffer from Selachophobia (fear of sharks), for Texas surfers it is the panic of missing out on a good wave on any given day. It is true that sharks put the goosebumps in surfing and other water activities. Surfers have even named the insanely big surf spot in Hawaii, Jaws, (like the movie). Of course, crazy-good surfers take on that danger with enthusiasm and adrenaline. So, how safe are the waters of Galveston? Hearing the theme song from Jaws in your head, yet (Da dum Da dum Da dum)?
Here are some facts you should be listening to, instead:
 
 
  • In Texas, from 2004-2007, you were 36 times more likely to have a fatality if you are homeless than a 0 fatality based on shark attack.
 
  • 1 in 5 gets heart disease. 1 in 3,748,067 experience ever having a shark attack. Cardiac arrest is more likely.
 
  • In Texas, you are 589 times more likely to die from a boating accident. You are 0 times as likely to die from a shark attack.
 
  • In Texas, you are 206 times more likely to get struck by lightning for every 1 shark fatality.
 
 
  • You are more likely to drowned, get in a car accident to or from the beach, become dehydrated, incur spinal damage, get sunburned, or be stung by a jellyfish/stingray.
 
  • You are more likely to get in a farm accident than a shark accident.
 
  • You are more likely to have an adverse reaction to antibiotics (time to stock up on probiotic yogurt).
 

Odds are in your favor... no worries.
For more info: Stay tuned for more information during Shark Weekend.

With all that said, there is no need to live in terror. However, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. We are in their environment. Despite the impossible odds, this young man was brooded by two sharks:

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