Sharks rarely attack humans, but when they do, the injuries are very serious or fatal. Scholars do not believe that sharks attack humans for food; they bite us because they are curious to understand what breed of animals we are just like dogs do when they smell new friends but with much more devastating results. Avoiding areas where sharks live is the best way to prevent an attack, but if you accidentally find yourself in infested waters you need to have a backup plan.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Playing Defense
Step 1. Don't take your eyes off the shark
These animals have different attack techniques. Sometimes they swim in circles for a while before attacking, other times they attack from the bottom up, still others take you by surprise from behind. In order to defend yourself you need to know where it is, so never lose sight of it even while you're looking for an escape route.
Step 2. Stay calm and don't make sudden movements
When you spot a shark it is likely that it will leave of its own free will. You can't escape a shark by swimming, so a sprint won't save you unless you're very close to the beach. It is important that you remain lucid and cold in order to constantly evaluate the situation and seek a way of salvation.
- Slowly make your way to the nearest shore or boat; do not wave or kick while swimming.
- Don't block the shark's trajectory. If you find yourself between the shark and the open sea, move on.
- Don't turn your back on the shark when you move. Remember, it's important to never lose sight of it.
Step 3. Take a defensive stance
If you can't get out of the water right away, try to decrease the shark's possible attack fronts. If you are in shallow water, put your feet on the ground. Lean your back against a rock, a fence, an outcropping rock - any solid obstacle - so the shark can't catch you from behind. This way you will have to worry about protecting yourself from frontal attacks only.
- If you are diving close to shore, you may want to go down to the bottom to find shelter. Look for a coral reef or rock at the bottom.
- On the open sea, put your shovels against those of another person: both of you will have to defend yourself against attacks from one direction only.
Part 2 of 3: Fighting the Shark
Step 1. Hit the shark on the face and gills
Pretending to be dead won't help you with an aggressive shark. Your best tactic will be to make him believe that you are a strong and credible threat. Usually a hard blow to the muzzle, eyes or gills causes it to flee as these are its only truly vulnerable areas.
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If you have a speargun or shaft use them! Aim for the head, especially the eyes and gills.
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If you don't have a weapon, improvise. Use any object, such as a camera or a rock to chase away the shark.
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If you have nothing, use your body. Hit him in his sensitive spots with punches, kicks, knees and elbows.
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Step 2. Keep hitting him if he doesn't go away
Hit him in the eyes and gills repeatedly and violently. Do not stop doing this as strikes are less effective in the water due to friction. You can also try scratching the gills and eyes. Keep doing this until you can walk away.
Part 3 of 3: Escape and Seek Help
Step 1. Get out of the water
Even if the shark leaves, you won't be safe as long as you stay in the water. Sharks sometimes flee momentarily and then return to the attack. Get back to shore or get on the boat as quickly as possible.
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If there is a boat nearby, call attention quietly but loud enough to be heard. Stay still and calm while you wait - at least until the shark tries to attack you - then when they catch up with you, get in the boat quickly.
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If you are close to the beach, swim quickly but without splashing. The hits on the water will still attract the shark, and if you are injured, they will disperse your blood calling out even more sharks. Swim backstroke, it involves far fewer splashes than other styles.
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Step 2. Get healed
If you have been bitten, medical attention is imperative as soon as possible. You may have lost a lot of blood (depending on where you were bitten), so you need to take action right away to stop the bleeding. Even if you've sustained minor injuries, you still need to get medicated. Try to stay calm until help arrives to prevent your heart from pumping blood too quickly and making the bleeding worse.
Advice
- Do not give up. As long as you keep fighting there is a good chance the shark will give up and go in search of easier prey.
- Look around you. Sharks usually hunt near sandy shores and steep banks. If you see fish that keep popping out of the water there is probably a predator in the area and it COULD be a shark.
- Remember to breathe while you fight. You need adequate oxygenation to defend yourself effectively from shark attacks and to quickly find an escape route.
- Do not prevent the shark from making its way to the open sea. If he feels trapped he will become aggressive.
- Don't wear shiny watches or jewelry - they attract sharks.
- Sharks tend to rip and tear their prey, so if the person who is bitten literally “hugs” the shark (remaining attached to it) they can avoid losing limbs or large amounts of meat. Furthermore, this action prevents the bitten areas from being trapped in the shark's mouth since its teeth are turned inwards for this purpose.
- Try to stop the blood to avoid bleeding and to lose less energy.
- Keep calm and swim to the beach or anything close to you that allows you to get out of the water and then call for help.
