As millions of Americans head to the beach for the Fourth of July weekend, shark experts say there’s little reason to stay out of the water. Marine biologist Mike Heithaus, Ph.D., of Florida International University told Fox News Digital that shark bites remain extremely uncommon, even during the busy summer beach season.

Shark Safety Tips

Heithaus recommended avoiding murky water, staying away from areas where large schools of fish are visible and avoiding places where people are actively fishing. People should also stay alert to local water conditions, including rip currents and the presence of other marine animals such as jellyfish.

Certain stretches of the East Coast, however, are more likely than others to see shark activity. New Smyrna Beach in Florida, as well as North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Cape Cod and parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine are among the East Coast regions where people are more likely to encounter sharks.

Florida remains one of the country’s best-known shark hot spots because of its combination of warm waters, abundant marine life and the presence of millions of swimmers and surfers each year. Even in areas where sharks are commonly found, encounters with people rarely end in bites, Heithaus said.

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, he added. It’s essential for people to know sharks are important for healthy oceans. We have decades of research that shows that sharks contribute to ocean health in a wide variety of ways, some small and some quite significant.

Experts recommend swimming near lifeguards, staying close to shore, avoiding the water at dawn or dusk when sharks are generally more active, and always paying attention to local beach conditions and posted advisories.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.