With several bites in the Carolinas making headlines recently, many Grand Strand visitors are concerned that the coast has become a feeding frenzy for predatory sharks. However, despite these well-publicized incidents, the truth is that the threat of shark attacks in Myrtle Beach remains remarkably low.

In fact, there have been only about 50 shark attacks total recorded over the past century on local beaches and not a single fatal attack since 1852. With more than 15 million visitors to the area each year, this means the odds of being bit by a shark in Myrtle Beach this year are roughly 1 in 4,000,000 — about five times less likely than your odds of being struck by lightining while standing on the beach.

Still worried? Here are some more interesting statistics, facts and trivia that should help clear up the hype and misconceptions about sharks in Myrtle Beach: