Here are what the real odds are for the USA based on the data below:
| Drowning and other beach-related fatalities | 1 in 2 million |
| Drowning fatalities | 1 in 3.5 million |
| Shark attacks | 1 in 11.5 million |
| Shark attack fatalities | 0 in 264.1 million |
| Estimated attendance | 264,156,728 |
| Lifeguard provision of medical care | 236,642 |
| Lifeguard rescues from drowning | 70,771 |
| Drowning (lifeguard areas) | 12 |
| Drowning (non-lifeguard areas) | 62 |
| Fatalities (causes other than drowning) | 58 |
| Total fatalities | 132 |
| Unprovoked shark attack | 23 |
| Fatalities | 0 |
Sources: USLA (from 68 East and West Coast ocean lifeguard agencies within jurisdiction), ISAF (same beach areas). In 2000 there were 52 unprovoked shark bites, including 1 fatality all US coastal waters.
Data current as of: February 10, 2001