New App Lets Beachgoers Keep Tabs on Shark Sightings

Even though you’re more likely to die in a vending machine-related accident than in the jaws of a shark, a recent sighting is all it takes to keep some beachgoers out of the water. Now there’s an entire app devoted to providing people with up-to-date news of great whites spotted near the Cape Cod shoreline, The Boston Globe reports.

On July 1, The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy launched their “Sharktivity” app for iOS. Users who download the free app can program it to send them push notifications every time there’s a great white sighting in the area. The app can also be used as a tool for tracking sharks that have been tagged, viewing visual sightings from experts, and reporting first-hand shark encounters.

Two great whites have been tagged near Cape Cod so far this summer, making it the eighth year in a row the species has been spotted in the area. Altercations between humans and sharks have been recorded in that time, but great whites are usually more interested in seals, like this unlucky guy photographed earlier in the week. After downloading the conservancy’s app, Cape Cod shark enthusiasts can visit their newly opened headquarters to learn more about the animals.

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.