Located on the Florida coast, Cocoa Beach is known for its sandy shores, surfing spots, and lively vibe.
Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, this beach offers a mix of relaxation and water sports, making it popular with locals and tourists.
Shark sightings in the area are a unique feature of Cocoa Beach.
While rare, the presence of sharks is a reminder of the diverse sea life.
Visitors are reminded to be cautious and avoid swimming when sharks are more active at dawn and dusk.
Despite shark sightings, Cocoa Beach is a top destination for beach lovers.
With its beach town feel, bustling pier with shops and restaurants, and variety of water activities, Cocoa Beach offers an exciting coastal experience for all.
Understanding our data at Cocoa Beach
In our comprehensive overview of cocoa beach, the data presented in this article is compiled from a variety of public sources, providing a consolidated view of shark encounters by beach.
As you explore the data, it is important to note that while we have organized the information by specific beaches, neighboring beaches may also have their own detailed posts.
We encourage you to utilize the search function on our website to discover unique posts that may pertain to nearby locations.
Given the unpredictable and often chaotic circumstances surrounding shark attacks, some of the details within our tables have been inferred post-incident.
This is a common practice in the documentation of such events, due to factors like the rapid response required at the scene and the retrospective nature of assembling such data.
Our aim is to offer a resource that not only informs but also enhances awareness and safety practices for all who venture into the marine environment.
As you navigate through the information, we hope it serves as a reminder of the respect and caution that our florida beaches command.
Recorded Attack #1
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2004-07-31
Year
2004
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Kelly Getzfread
Sex
F
Age
20.0
Injury
Right Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
13H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #2
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1981-10-16
Year
1981
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Robert Keifling
Sex
M
Age
17
Injury
Puncture Wounds To Left Foot
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #3
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2022-02-11
Year
2022
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Gene Menchara-Lopez
Sex
M
Age
18.0
Injury
Puncture Wounds To Foot
Fatal
N
Time
17H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #4
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2020-04-07
Year
2020
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Stacy Orosz-Davis
Sex
F
Age
N/A
Injury
Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
10H00
Species
Bull Shark, 6'
Recorded Attack #5
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2019-11-12
Year
2019
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Miller
Sex
M
Age
30.0
Injury
Lacerations To Left Foot
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
4' To 5' Blacktip Shark
Recorded Attack #6
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1970-09-05
Year
1970
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Floating On A Raft
Name
Reggie Hodgson
Sex
M
Age
18
Injury
Laceration To Left Foot
Fatal
N
Time
11H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #7
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2021-01-03
Year
2021
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Tucker Shrogren
Sex
M
Age
19.0
Injury
No Injury, Board Damaged
Fatal
N
Time
10H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #8
Area
Florida
Location
Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2014-08-09
Year
2014
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Krama Fordham
Sex
F
Age
10
Injury
Puncture Wounds To Right Foot & Ankle
Fatal
N
Time
13H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #9
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2008-06-07
Year
2008
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Body Surfing
Name
John Vasbinder
Sex
M
Age
40
Injury
Lacerations & Abrasions To Right Hand
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #10
Area
Florida
Location
Shepard Park, Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2003-04-21
Year
2003
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
17.0
Injury
Survived
Fatal
N
Time
13H30
Species
Unidentified Species
Recorded Attack #11
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1981-09-03
Year
1981
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Douglas Christie
Sex
M
Age
24
Injury
Laceration To Foot
Fatal
N
Time
Morning
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #12
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1978-01-01
Year
1978
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Sharon Wolfe Cranston
Sex
F
Age
N/A
Injury
Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #13
Area
Florida
Location
Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2009-11-24
Year
2009
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Garrett Gollihugh
Sex
M
Age
10
Injury
Left Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
Morning
Species
6' Shark
Recorded Attack #14
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2003-06-24
Year
2003
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Standing
Name
Hannah Hathaway
Sex
F
Age
12.0
Injury
2 Lacerations To The Thigh
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
“Small Brown Shark”
Recorded Attack #15
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2020-07-19
Year
2020
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Kylee Orona
Sex
F
Age
12.0
Injury
Right Leg Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #16
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2014-04-22
Year
2014
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
42
Injury
Laceration & Puncture Wounds To Right Foot
Fatal
N
Time
15H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #17
Area
Florida
Location
Near Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2008-03-28
Year
2008
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Boogie Boarding
Name
Teresa Holloway
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Right Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
A Small Shark
Recorded Attack #18
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2003-04-15
Year
2003
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming (Using A Float)
Name
Male, A Tourist From Venezuela
Sex
M
Age
20.0
Injury
Left Calf Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
13H00
Species
15 Cm To 20 Cm [6 To 8] Bite Diameter Just Below Left Knee
Recorded Attack #19
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2013-12-10
Year
2013
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Bobby Baughman
Sex
M
Age
30
Injury
Right Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
14H30
Species
4' To 6' Shark
Recorded Attack #20
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1996-10-03
Year
1996
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Aric Hollingsworth
Sex
M
Age
21.0
Injury
4 Laceration On Left Forearm
Fatal
N
Time
08H30
Species
1.2 M [4'] Shark
Recorded Attack #21
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2021-01-02
Year
2021
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Keller Shrogren
Sex
M
Age
17.0
Injury
1.5 Cut To Ankle
Fatal
N
Time
10H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #22
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2023-06-23
Year
2023
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Magnolia Woodhead
Sex
F
Age
!2
Injury
Multiple Puncture Wounds To Right Thigh
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #23
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1981-09-28
Year
1981
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Stan Wing
Sex
M
Age
28
Injury
5 Puncture Marks To Hip
Fatal
N
Time
18H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #24
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2015-05-24
Year
2015
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Alysa Whetro
Sex
F
Age
13
Injury
Puncture Wounds To Lower Left Leg And Ankle, Shallow Lacerations To Foot, Deep Laceration To Achilles Tendon
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #25
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1972-06-10
Year
1972
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Richard Salick
Sex
M
Age
22
Injury
Buttocks Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
11H30
Species
4.5' Shark
Recorded Attack #26
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
202-07-10
Year
2020
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Jaedyn Wagner
Sex
F
Age
15.0
Injury
Minor Injury To Right Foot
Fatal
N
Time
08H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #27
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2018-05-26
Year
2018
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Walking
Name
Cody High
Sex
M
Age
15.0
Injury
Lower Left Leg Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
17H00
Species
Bull Shark, 6'
Recorded Attack #28
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2014-08-05
Year
2014
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Female
Sex
F
Age
45
Injury
Lacerations To Foot
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #29
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2002-03-25
Year
2002
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Ms Tori Lawrence
Sex
F
Age
11.0
Injury
Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
10H10
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #30
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2006-05-05
Year
2006
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Small Lacerations To Arm
Fatal
N
Time
12H15
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #31
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2015-05-07
Year
2015
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Josh Green
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Lacerations To Lower Left Leg, Ankle & Foot
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #32
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1989-07-14
Year
1989
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
John O'Brien
Sex
M
Age
16.0
Injury
5-Inch Gash On Left Leg
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #33
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
1983-06-20
Year
1983
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing & Dangling Foot In Water Amid Baitfish
Name
Barry Skinner
Sex
M
Age
21
Injury
Left Foot Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
16H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #34
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2015-08-22
Year
2015
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Young Boy
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Wound To Right Lower Leg
Fatal
Unknown
Time
19H45
Species
Shark Involvement Not Confirmed
Recorded Attack #35
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2015-11-01
Year
2015
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
Jill Kruse
Sex
F
Age
28.0
Injury
Injury To Right Ankle/Calf & Hand
Fatal
N
Time
14H00
Species
3' To 5' Shark
Recorded Attack #36
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2015-05-29
Year
2015
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Standing
Name
Ashlyn Gilpin
Sex
F
Age
14
Injury
Left Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #37
Area
Florida
Location
South Of Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2014-08-02
Year
2014
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
50S
Injury
Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #38
Area
Florida
Location
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County
Date
2012-09-16
Year
2012
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
52
Injury
Foot Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
N/A
Check Out Some Of Our Other Shark Attack Posts
Here we have 5 posts going over some other nearby beaches where shark attacks have happened