Video Of Sharks Circling Swimmers At Florida Beach Raises Alarm Bells

*Note: We are republishing this story, which originally made the news in July 2023.*

A viral TikTok video has captured a tense moment at **Navarre Beach, Florida**, where several sharks were seen swimming dangerously close to beachgoers. Shared by user **@allthingsemeraldcoast**, the footage has surpassed 2 million views and shows swimmers quickly retreating to shore while others remained in the water, cautiously watching the fins circling nearby. Concerned onlookers can be heard shouting, *“Get out of the water!”*

Florida is no stranger to shark encounters. In fact, the state consistently records the highest number of shark attacks in the U.S. In 2022, Florida accounted for **39% of all American shark attacks** and nearly a third of global cases, according to the Florida Museum. While most encounters are non-fatal, the statistics highlight the importance of caution along the state’s 825 miles of coastline.

Commenters on the viral video identified the sharks as **hammerheads**, a species native to Florida waters, alongside others such as tiger, bull, and lemon sharks. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this sighting. Experts remind swimmers that while the risk of being bitten is extremely low—estimated at **1 in 3.7 million**—safety measures should never be ignored.

The Florida Museum advises beachgoers to **swim in groups, avoid dawn and dusk hours, stay near the shore, and remove reflective jewelry** that can mimic fish scales. People with open wounds or menstruating should take extra care due to sharks’ sharp sense of smell. Above all, if a shark is spotted, the best response is to calmly and quickly leave the water.

@allthingsemeraldcoast Shark sighting Navarre Beach 7/3/23📍 🎥Cristy Mccallie Cox🦈 #hammerhead #shark #sharks #sharkweek #navarrebeach #emeraldcoast #allthingsemeraldcoast #fyp ♬ Spooky, Quiet, Scary Atmosphere Piano – Bucyrus Audio

While the video sparked alarm, many online also reminded viewers that the ocean is the sharks’ natural habitat, and their presence often reflects normal hunting behavior.

With summer crowds flocking to Florida’s beaches, the viral clip serves as both a **warning and an educational reminder**: respecting the ocean and its wildlife is key to safely enjoying its beauty.