Dolphin Attacks Injure 47 Swimmers in Central Japan, Sparking Beach Safety Concerns

In an unexpected twist on Japan's central coast, lifeguards are on high alert, not for sharks, but for aggressive dolphins. The beaches of Wakasa Bay, located approximately 200 miles west of Tokyo, have been the scene of at least 47 dolphin-related injuries since 2022, continuing a troubling trend for a third consecutive year.

The culprit? 

Perhaps a single, sexually frustrated dolphin. While the attacks primarily resulted in minor bites, some victims required hospitalization for broken bones and deep wounds. The Fukui police reported that in 2022, 21 individuals were harmed by dolphins in the vicinity of Echizen, sparking media attention and leading to the term “dolphin threat summer” being coined in Japanese outlets.

Individuals encountered aggressive dolphins while swimming close to shore, with one victim recounting how a dolphin bit his arm and attempted to push him underwater. The following year, Mihama beaches bore the brunt of the aggression, resulting in ten reported injuries, including one individual sustaining broken ribs.

Lifeguard Precautions and Public Concerns

Lifeguards are now on high alert, scanning the waters for any signs of dolphin activity and are prepared to call swimmers back to safety at the slightest hint of danger. The presence of sharp-teeth posters further underscores the seriousness of the situation, warning beachgoers to remain cautious.

The rise in dolphin attacks has sparked public concern, with some individuals now approaching the water with trepidation. As these encounters continue to pose a risk to beach visitors, authorities are left to grapple with the unsettling reality of dolphin aggression along the picturesque coast of Wakasa Bay.