WELLFLEET – Although the summer season is ending, visitors and neighbors continue to enjoy Cape Cod National Seashore’s abundant opportunities for recreation, rest, and rejuvenation. Warm days may invite a swim in the Atlantic. Those planning to enter the ocean should note that the ocean poses risks, and lifeguard service at national seashore beaches ended on September 6.
Great white sharks and gray seals in the waters surrounding Cape Cod have gained local and national attention. Both species existed long before Cape Cod was settled or became a popular destination, and in recent years their numbers have increased. Sharks have existed for more than 400 million years. As top predators, sharks are critical for maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem.
Seals are the major prey species for the great white shark, and as the seal population increases, the great white sharks have become more numerous. Each summer and fall there are observations and reports of great white sharks feeding on seals close to shore, as well as great white shark sightings from spotter planes flying along the Outer Cape and near swimming beaches. While it is rare for a great white shark to bite a human, there was a fatal shark bite in Wellfleet in September 2018. Sharks are active in Cape Cod waters in September and October.
To stay beach safe, be aware of the following:
- No lifeguards are on duty.
- Dangerous rip currents, undertows, and shore break exist along Cape Cod beaches.
- Sharks have been observed feeding on seals.
- Do not swim near seals.
- Swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom.
- Swim, paddle, kayak, and surf in groups.
- Do not swim alone in the ocean at dawn or dusk. Avoid isolation.
- For emergencies, call 911. Emergency call boxes and stop the bleed kits are positioned at beaches.
The national seashore, the towns of Cape Cod and the Islands, the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy have worked together to produce shark advisory signs for beaches, a shark smart safety video, and provide education material and safety tips for beach users. Shark Smart information is available at all National Park Service beaches.
Look for Shark Smart information on the national seashore’s website, https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/sharksafety.htm.
