In July 1916, a series of shark attacks occurred along the coast of New Jersey, primarily affecting the towns of Beach Haven and Spring Lake. Over a span of 12 days, four people were attacked, resulting in several injuries and the death of a young swimmer named Charles Vansant. These incidents sparked widespread fear and led to increased media attention on shark behavior. The attacks were unusual for the time, as shark incidents were rare along the Atlantic coast. The events of 1916 contributed to a growing public fascination with sharks and prompted discussions about ocean safety, ultimately influencing beach regulations and shark conservation efforts.