Sometimes, authorities make the decision that the easiest way to protect beachgoers is to keep them out of the water entirely. Though it can be disappointing to go to the beach and learn that it’s been closed, don’t try to disobey these rules. Their goal is not to ruin your good time, but to save lives. Follow the news and online sources for shark sightings, and avoid locations where a shark has been recently spotted.
In addition, you are at a big disadvantage in the water when it’s dark out. Since you have close to zero visibility, you are unable to see any sharks that you do come across. On the other hand, since sharks’ other senses are more powerful than ours, they can navigate very well in the dark.
You’ll also want to stay away from anywhere that nutrients, effluent, or waste products are discharged into the water (like, for instance, a sewage outlet that pours directly into the sea. ) Not only is this likely to be a little healthier, but also safer, as the sharks are more likely to hang around such areas of water looking for food. If you are fishing, don’t dump dead fish or fish pieces into the water. These make easy pickings for shark, which can detect blood at concentrations of as little as one part per million. [4] X Research source
In addition, you’ll want to avoid the areas between sand bars — sharks can sometimes make their way into these narrow channels. Obviously, it can be hard to stay out of deeper water if you’re doing activities like surfing or kayaking. In these cases, be sure to take all of the other precautions in this article to stay safe. Avoid places like river and harbor mouths, where smaller, river fish get washed into the ocean and are targeted by sharks.
This general rule isn’t just a smart idea for deterring shark attacks — it’s also a very important beach safety rule in general. Any swimmer, no matter how strong, may be vulnerable to drowning if he or she encounters unexpected currents or conditions. Swimming in groups (with at least one person on the shore at all times watching the swimmers) can save lives. [7] X Research source
Sharks are thought to be attracted to some colors more than others. Bright colors seem to attract tropical sharks. Yellow is particularly attractive (some divers even call it “yum yum yellow”). It is thought that wearing mainly darker colors that don’t contrast greatly with the underwater surroundings can help prevent shark attacks. This is true for fins as well. Don’t wear shiny objects. Before swimming, take off any jewelry, watches, chains, gear, etc. that is metallic, shiny, reflective or glowing. It is thought that these can attract sharks by resembling the shiny scales of a fish. If possible, avoid surfboards. It is thought that sharks can confuse their streamlined shapes for a large fish or seal.
Stay out of the water if you have an open wound, especially one that is actively bleeding. Menstruating women should use caution. Don’t urinate, defecate, or vomit in the ocean. Stay out of the water if you are likely to need to do these things (for instance, if you are sick. )
Instead, stay calm and focus on your immediate goal: getting out of the water quickly, quietly, and smoothly. [10] X Research source Resist your natural instinct to make a mad dash to safety unless the shark is aggressively following you. If you are fishing in a small boat when you notice a shark, let any fish on the line go and move away. If you are diving at significant depths, surfacing quickly can be dangerous and should be used as a last resort. Instead, release any fish or bait you have with you and move laterally away from the shark. Exit the water at a reasonable pace once you are away from it. [11] X Research source
Making quick, sharp turns while swimming. “Hunching” or arching the back. Circling, especially if the circles get tighter Charging Lowering the dorsal fin (the one on the back) Rubbing the belly against the sea floor Showing other sudden or erratic movements.
If you are near other people, it’s also crucial to call out to them for several reasons. Not only will this notify them of the danger and give them a chance to themselves — it can also help you. Statistically, there are few cases of rescuers being attacked when helping someone else get away from a shark. It’s thought that suddenly encountering a second person in the water can spook a shark enough to make it run away. [13] X Research source
Try to strike the shark’s eyes and gills with whatever you have. These areas are the most vulnerable, pain-sensitive parts of a shark. Punch and claw at them repeatedly until the shark lets you go. Contrary to popular myth, the nose is not as good of a target as the eyes and gills. It’s less sensitive to pain and is also right next to the mouth, which is the last thing you want to stick your hand into. If you’re diving, use any tools you have, like a diving knife or even a spare tank to hit the shark. Don’t stop fighting. The goal is to convince the shark that attacking you is more trouble than it is worth. Giving up will just make the shark’s job easier.
Get medical attention for any injuries immediately, even if they don’t seem serious. This is extra important if you are bleeding — since it is more difficult for your body to stop bleeding underwater, you may already have lost a significant amount of blood. [14] X Research source Don’t get back in the water even if the shark seems to have left and you have no injuries. The only reason to get back in the water (provided you are uninjured) is to save them from a shark attack — as mentioned above, some sharks may flee when dealing with a group of people, rather than just one.
