Sharks are fearsome predators, but humans are rarely on their menu. In fact, far more people fall victim to dogs, bees, snakes, and many other animals. Sharks, however, can be dangerous, and anyone who ventures into their territory must respect these fish. If you will enter shark-inhabited waters, it is a good idea to know how to repel an attack, but it is even more important to know how to minimize the risk of being attacked.
Steps
Step 1. Stay away from shark-infested waters
This is the best way to avoid shark attacks. To do this, you will not have to enter the ocean, river estuaries, and rivers and lakes near the coast. The dangerous bull shark, in particular, can withstand fresh water, and these sharks can ascend rivers for miles around inland. In fact, 4000 kilometers have been sighted in the Amazon River and in the Mississippi at the height of Illinois. If you can't avoid entering these waters entirely, at least try to avoid the more dangerous areas.
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Follow the warnings. You'll often find warning signs in coastal areas where sharks have been sighted, and even in the absence of these signs, locals can warn you of potential dangers. Stay out of the water if so indicated.
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Avoid deep bottoms and areas between shoals. They are the favorite hunting grounds for sharks.
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Avoid water contaminated by sewers or drains. Sharks are attracted to these areas. Of course, that's not the only reason to avoid polluted water.
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Avoid swimming near fishing grounds. Sharks may come close to take advantage of easy prey caught on a line or net, and they may be attracted by discarded bait or fish. Even in the absence of fishing boats, if you see seabirds descending into the water, there's a good chance it's a fishing or fish farming area.
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Step 2. Learn about sharks
There are more than 300 species of sharks, but few of them are considered dangerous to humans. In fact, three species - white shark, tiger shark and bull shark - are responsible for the vast majority of fatal attacks on humans. These sharks are found in abundance in coastal waters around the world, and if you notice their presence you should get away from the water right away. The oceanic white shark is more common in the open sea and can be aggressive. Find out what kind of sharks are present in the area where you want to enter the water, but remember that all sharks over 180 cm in length should be considered dangerous.
Step 3. Bring a weapon with you
If you are diving in waters where you are likely to encounter sharks, bring a harpoon with you. You shouldn't provoke an attack for any reason or feel too safe with your weapon, but take one with you, as it could save your life in the event of an attack.
Step 4. Wear appropriate clothing
Use neutral costumes and wetsuits, as bright or eye-catching colors with strong contrast can attract sharks. Avoid wearing jewelry, as the reflection of light on these accessories is similar to the reflection on the scales of a fish, and can make you look like food. Cover your dive watch with the sleeve of your wetsuit. Likewise, avoid or cover up uneven tans, as the contrast can make you more visible to sharks. The deep yellow and orange colors of life buoys and life jackets can attract sharks, but if you are out in the open, remember that these colors favor your detection by rescuers.
Step 5. Be vigilant
You may encounter many dangers while diving, surfing or swimming in the ocean or coastal rivers, so always be careful. Proceed with caution, and always carefully observe your surroundings. If you spot a shark, don't lose sight of it until you get to safety by reaching the coast or a boat.
Step 6. Move gracefully
Avoid rippling water, and always try to swim smoothly. Avoid sudden or random movements in the presence of sharks, as this may draw attention to you, or give the impression of being injured. If you see a shark near you during a dive, stay still as much as possible to avoid attracting its attention or making it feel threatened.
Step 7. Swim in a group
Regardless of the risk of a shark attack, you should avoid swimming alone. However, if sharks are present, it is even more important to travel with a friend or a group of people. Sharks rarely attack groups of people, and if a group member were attacked, they could be rescued instantly. When diving in the presence of sharks, one group member should only be in charge of observing them and identifying changes in their behavior.
Step 8. Recognize aggressive behaviors
Sharks that swim slowly and smoothly are generally not a threat. They may approach a diver, but are generally just curious when they do. If a shark starts to make sudden movements, swims fast or randomly, or if it shows signs of aggression or irritation - point the pectoral fins down, arch the back, point the head up, swim in a zigzag or charge - you can consider it ready to attack. Swim quickly and without panic to a safe spot, out of the water or where you can defend yourself, and prepare for the attack.
Step 9. Do not enter the water at night and at sunrise or sunset
Sharks hunt more actively during these hours, and it would be more difficult to see them in the dark. Also avoid, in areas where sharks are present, to enter the water on cloudy days, in which the light is similar to that of sunrise or sunset.
Step 10. Stay away from water if you are bleeding from an open wound
Women don't have to worry about menstruation. Tampons work around the problem, and even without using them, the amount of blood released during a 30-45 minute dive is very small.
Step 11. Avoid provoking the sharks
Just under half of documented shark attacks have been the result of provocation or mistreatment, particularly by divers. Use common sense, and stay away from sharks. Don't try to grab or push them. Don't corner them and don't try to get close to photograph them.
Advice
- Avoid swimming in dirty or murky waters, as this will increase the chances that a shark will mistake you for one of its usual prey (turtles, seals, etc.).
- Don't swim after it has rained a lot. It is possible that a storm will push a shark into bays and areas that they cannot get out of.
- Keep your pets away from water. Their brusque movements, coupled with their petite size, can attract the attention of aggressive sharks.
- When seals are present, sharks are probably also present. Avoid entering the water in areas frequented by seals.
- Although sharks inhabit oceans around the world, attacks are more frequent in Florida. Other danger spots are Australia, Hawaii, South Africa and California.
- If you are diving and have fish with you, do not tie your prey to the body. Make sure you can quickly and easily release the fish if you see a shark, and leave the area immediately if you spot one. The shark is probably more interested in your fish than in you.
- When you take a dive, go straight to the bottom. Swimming on the surface, a shark might mistake you for a fish.
- Don't wear loose clothing. They make you look like a fish in trouble.
Warnings
- The presence of porpoises and dolphins does not make it a safe area. Although these animals attack sharks, they feed on some of the same prey, and are likely to be found in areas frequented by sharks.
- Attacks by large and medium-sized sharks are dangerous and life-threatening. Even smaller sharks (and many species of other fish) can inflict painful bites, so avoid provoking them, and always be careful when in their presence.
Sources and Citations
- Florida Museum of Natural History International Shark Attack File: Statistics and Tips
- SurfingCal.com The dangers of surfing
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