How to prevent a shark attack and what to do if it happens.

Be wary of signs like these before you go for a swim.
   Photo by: david.nikonvscanon.

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There is more of a chance of getting struck by lightening than getting bit by a shark, yet the fear is much greater for the latter.  The statistics show that shark attacks are fairly uncommon.  In fact there are about 70 unprovoked shark attacks on humans each year; however an estimated 250,000 sharks die each day at the hands of humans, nearly 100 million each year.

Nevertheless there are precautions that swimmers can take in order to prevent attacks.  They are not meant to scare swimmers but rather to educate them.  Humans are not on the menu.  The likelihood of any attack is very low; however it is important to know what you can do to avoid the possibility of an encounter.

Ways to prevent a shark attack.

• Never swim in murky water.  Lots of attacks occur in murky water for the very reason that it is hard to see.  You cannot see what is in the water and a shark will have a difficult time distinguishing you from its prey.
• Do not swim at dawn or dusk, the preferred feeding time for sharks.  Also do not swim at night when it is very difficult to see what is swimming in the water.
• Be wary of signs on the beach that warn if sharks have been spotted, or if a shark bite has been reported.  Take these warnings seriously.
• Swim in a group.  Swimming alone increases your chance of a possible shark attack; it also makes it much more difficult to make it to shore on your own, if an attack does happen.
• Stay out of the water if you are bleeding or menstruating.  A shark is capable of detecting just one drop of blood in the water from very far distance.
• Avoid swimming in areas that have lots of marine life that are attractive to sharks, such as seals or sea turtles.  If you see a school of fish behaving and swimming erratically, get out of the water immediately, there is probably a predator nearby.
• Steer clear of steep drop offs, sandbars, or river mouths all places that sharks tend to frequent when feeding.
• Jewelry can look like fish scales to a shark underwater.  It is better to take off any jewelry before entering the ocean.
• If there are dolphins or other porpoises in the water you had better get out.  Both porpoises and sharks hunt the same prey and are likely to swim around in the same area.
• Excessive splashing at the surface will attract sharks who because of their lateral line can detect movements in the water.  This allows sharks to detect injured fish thrashing about in the water.
• Stay away from fishing boats where there is often chum or bait.  These things will naturally attract sharks looking to feed.  Spear fishing is also another way to attract sharks, because of the blood in the water, as well as the movement of the struggling fish on the spear.
• Keep your pets out of the water.  When dogs swim they will splash around in a way that attracts sharks to the surface.

If you do encounter a shark there are a few things that shark experts suggest you should do to increase your chances at survival.

• As difficult as it may be, you must try to stay calm.  You will need to be alert in order to get out of a possibly horrible situation.
• Some experts say that your chances of survival are much greater if you look at the shark in a way that shows you have spotted it.  This would help divers who are swimming under water.  Sharks prefer to feed on easy prey, hence choosing injured fish or attacking its prey by surprise.  If it knows it's been spotted you have more of a chance to get away.
• Even as you are swimming to safety always pay attention to where the shark is swimming.  You want to be aware of where it is at all times as you attempt to leave the water.  If it already swimming after you, get out as fast as you can.
• If the shark does bite you, you should fight back.  The best way to do so is by hitting its snout, eyes and gills, the most sensitive parts of its body.  Hit, punch, grab, or whatever it takes to get the shark off of you.  
• If you are able to get away from the shark you must do so as quickly as possible.  Sharks often try to bite again if they were unsuccessful the first time or if they are still curious.
• Apply pressure to the wound to avoid loosing a lot of blood.
• Lifeguards are equipped with the knowledge of what to do should a shark attack happen.  Once people are aware of the incident, help will be on its way.

More Info:

National Geographic: Shark Tips.
Discovery Channel: Shark Week.