A young woman named Addison Bethea recently suffered a shark attack while swimming off the coast of Keaton Beach in Florida, USA, resulting in severe injuries.
Following the incident, doctors were forced to amputate the 17-year-old’s leg. The incident has caused significant distress among ocean swimmers.
Below are some tips from experts to help increase your chances of survival and safety during shark encounters:
I. Before entering the water
1. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings
Sharks inhabit saltwater environments, and the ocean is their natural habitat. Humans, on the other hand, are visitors in their domain.
Neil Hammerschlag, Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami, emphasized the importance of being aware that shark encounters may happen at any time and place while in the ocean. However, he also noted that humans are not typically considered prey by sharks, and they generally avoid interactions with humans.
Certain locations may have a higher risk of shark encounters than others.
2. Avoid swimming near river mouths
Shark expert Richard Peirce advises against swimming near river mouths, as the murky water in these areas is attractive to bull sharks, which are known to be more likely to attack humans.
Peirce stated that many shark attacks occur near river mouths where sediment and other materials accumulate, and where people engage in activities such as washing and bathing.
Hammerschlag added that deepwater channels between the coast and sandy beaches near river mouths are also areas prone to shark encounters.
3. Avoid fishing areas
Prior to entering the water, scan the horizon for any signs of fishing activity. If you spot a fishing boat, it would be best to avoid swimming in that area.
Peirce explained that fishing activities, whether for commercial or recreational purposes, often involve the disposal of fish parts and guts, which can attract sharks.
Pay attention to any unusual behavior of fish in the area, such as groups of fish jumping out of the water, as this could indicate the presence of sharks.
4. Avoid dawn and dusk
The periods of dawn and dusk are when sharks are most likely to attack humans. During these times, the visibility for sharks is limited, and they may mistake humans for prey.
5. Seek guidance from lifeguards
Choose swimming areas with lifeguards present and consult them if you have any concerns or questions.
6. Avoid wearing flashy clothing in the water
Be cautious with any jewelry or items that may reflect light, as sharks may mistake them for prey fish, especially in murky waters.
Shark expert Lowe also advised against wearing flashy clothing that could attract shark attention.
7. Trust your instincts
If you have any reservations or a sense of unease about entering the water, it is best to heed your instincts and avoid swimming.
Hammerschlag noted that many shark attack survivors often mention having a premonition or a lingering feeling of unease before the incident, but they ignored it.
II. When a shark is near you
1. Remain calm
If you find yourself in the presence of a shark, it is crucial to stay calm and avoid frantic movements, as this may agitate the shark and increase its interest in you as potential prey.
Peirce explained that sharks do not have hands or paws like humans and animals, so their way of exploring objects is through biting. Frantic movements may trigger their curiosity or aggression.
Frantic movements may trigger a shark’s curiosity or aggression.
2. Maintain eye contact with the shark
If a shark is circling around you, keep your head facing it and maintain eye contact throughout. This will make the shark less comfortable and less likely to approach from behind.
Hammerschlag suggests facing the shark with your body and showing that you are watching it. Then, slowly and carefully swim back to your boat or shore.
3. Adjust your posture based on the situation
If the shark appears to be in an aggressive mode, make yourself appear as large as possible in the water. Peirce explains that the larger you appear, the more deterred the shark will be.
However, if the shark seems to be merely passing by, Peirce advises curling up into a ball-like shape. This makes you appear less threatening and may reduce the shark’s interest in you.
III. When attacked by a shark
1. Do not play dead, fight back
If a shark aggressively attacks you, it is important to fight back rather than pretending to be lifeless. Punch, kick, and target sensitive areas. However, aim accurately when striking.
Peirce suggests aiming for the shark’s nose but warns against accidentally hitting near its mouth. The area around the gills is also sensitive and a good spot to target.
If you have any objects on hand, such as an underwater camera or breathing tube, use them as makeshift weapons against the shark.
Lowe advises swimming in groups to reduce the risk of shark attacks and to have assistance in returning to safety after an attack.
2. Adjust your swimming position and find a point of support
If you encounter a shark while diving, try to position yourself where the shark cannot attack you from behind. Find a point of support, such as a coral reef, that protects your back and enables you to keep an eye on the shark in front of you. From there, slowly swim back towards your boat or shore.
3. Retreat slowly
When swimming backward towards the shore, avoid making splashes in the water to minimize attracting the shark’s attention.
Stay vigilant and swim slowly and gently towards shallower waters, but remain cautious, as even in shallow places, large sharks can still pose a threat to humans.
These recommendations aim to minimize risks and damage during shark encounters. However, it is important to note that in the case of an attack by a great white shark, avoiding injury can be extremely difficult.
Source: VOV
