1. Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus): Blacktip sharks are relatively small, known for their black tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. They are found in inshore waters, such as bays, estuaries, and near beaches, and are known to enter shallow water.
2. Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas): Bull sharks are sturdy, powerful sharks known for their aggressive behavior and ability to tolerate varying salinity levels. Bull sharks can be found in rivers, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters.
3. Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris): Lemon sharks are found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They are known for their yellowish coloration and often seen near sandy bottoms. Lemon sharks are typically not considered highly aggressive toward humans.
4. Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum): Nurse sharks are relatively docile and slow-moving sharks found on sandy or rocky bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They often rest on the seafloor and are known for their large, barbel-like structures around their mouths.
5. Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus): Sandbar sharks are found near sandy beaches, sandbars, and shallow coastal waters. They are generally not aggressive toward humans but may approach divers and swimmers out of curiosity.
6. Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae): Atlantic sharpnose sharks are relatively small sharks found near sandy beaches, estuaries, and inlets. They are known for their distinctive pointed snouts and are not considered highly aggressive.
7. Blacknose Shark (Carcharhinus acronotus): Blacknose sharks are found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays, and sometimes enter rivers. They have a distinctive black tip on their snout.
These are some of the shark species commonly found in Georgia's coastal waters. However, it's essential to exercise caution when swimming in the ocean, as encounters with sharks are possible. Always follow local safety guidelines and recommendations, and be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming in shark habitats.