Ten years after a juvenile great white shark attacked her off Corona del Mar, Maria Korcsmaros stepped back into the same ocean on May 29, 2026, to mark the anniversary with a commemorative swim. Accompanied by fellow surivor Steve Robles and a small group of supporters, she completed a lap at Corona del Mar State Beach, turning the traumatic memory into a public statement of resilience.

Maria Korcsmaros Returns to Corona del Mar 10 Years After Attack

According to the source, Korcsmaros was bitten by a 10‑foot juvenile great white while swimming in 2016, an encounter that left her fighting for her life. She described the 2026 swim as “an honor to still be able to swim there,” emphasizing that fear should not dominate activities she loves.. the event was framed as both a personal triumph and a broader reminder that ocean lovers can reclaim confidence after trauma.

Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe Shares Dawn‑Dusk Safety Rules

Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, warned that sharks are most active during low‑light periods, advising swimmers to avoid the water at dawn and dusk.. He noted that “new data suggest” these times see heightened shark activity, making mistaken‑identity bites more likely. lowe also highlighted that murky water and red‑tide conditions have been linked to recent incidents off Del Mar, underscoring the need for clear visibility.

Group Swimming Cuts Bite Risk, Says Research

As the report noted, Lowe’s research shows solitary swimmers face a statistically higher chance of being bitten because sharks may mistake them for prey or feel threatened. swimming in groups, he explained, reduces the likelihood of a shark approaching and delivering a warning bite. The expert added that maintaining eye contact and tracking a shark’s movements can signal awareness and deter an attack.

Murky Water and Red Tide Linked to Recent Del Mar Bites

Two recent shark‑bite cases off Del Mar involved swimmers in murky water during a red‑tide bloom, according to the source. Lowe pointed out that reduced visibility hampers a shark’s ability to differentiate between humans and typical prey, increasing the chance of a mistaken bite. He urged beachgoers to check local water quality reports before entering the ocean.

What Data Gaps Remain on Shark Presence Near Corona del Mar?

Despite the safety tips, there is still limited real‑time monitoring of shark movements along the Newport Beach coastline. The source did not provide details on any ongoing tracking programs, leaving open questions about how quickly authorities can warn the public when a shark is spotted. Further research is needed to determine whether acoustic tagging or drone surveillance could fill this gap.