The year 2020 is proving to be an historic year for Australian shark attacks. With eight fatalities so far, it is the deadliest year on record since 1929.

The most recent fatal attack happened in late November when Charles Cernobori, 59, was seized by a shark while bodysurfing off Cable Beach in Western Australia.

Nothing can quite cause fear and awe like sharks, unsurprising given that 80 per cent of us live near the coastline and our love of the beach.

Prior to European arrival, Indigenous carvings of sharks dotted the coastline.

But what is it actually like when your worst fear comes true and a shark attacks?

This weekend, in News Corp digital and print special, we take a comprehensive look at attacks in this country, interviewing many survivors of attacks and how it impacted their lives.

We will also, for the first time, produce complete interactive maps of every shark attack in recorded history.

While the chances of being taken by a shark are incredibly slim, increased attacks in recent years have redefined our relationship with the predator and had an impact on how we keep our waters safe and also how we protect our marine wildlife.

SUBSCRIBE WHERE YOU GET YOUR NEWS CORP NEWS FOR THE FULL STORY THIS WEEKEND (Dec 12/13).