Beach danger series: Avoiding shark attacks

May 18, 8:07 PMWorld Beach ExaminerBarbra Stuter

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Hammerhead sharks swimming - from the Discovery Channel's Shark Guide

I hesitated to put sharks on the beach dangers list at all, as the likelihood of getting attacked is so low.  However, being the top fear of many beach visitors, I didn't think I could ignore them.  The common theory is that shark attacks on humans have occurred by accident either in murky water or when they have mistaken us for prey.  However, recent studies such as this one by the National Geographic  Society suggest that some shark attacks might be the result of sharks like the great white “taste testing” to try and figure out what we are.  I suppose that is both comforting and not so comforting at the same time!  No matter what the motivation or cause of sharks attacking, the instances of it happening are very rare, about one in 11.5 million.  That being said there are some common sense things you can do to decrease your chances of getting attacked even further.  

1. Avoid swimming at night, dawn or dusk.  Sharks are more active during these times as they are feeding, and you won’t be able to see them.
2. Don’t get in the water if you are bleeding, and this includes you ladies menstruating.
3. Don’t swim in water that is murky or is too close to the mouths of rivers, particularly after heavy rains.  Freshwater fishes and other animals being swept out to sea attract sharks.  The same goes for harbors and fishing docks.
4. Don’t swim near bait fish.  You can generally spot schools of baitfish by diving seabirds and little fish churning up the surface of the water.
5. Unlike the dramatic rescues you saw in “Flipper”, don't count on porpoises to save you from shark attacks.  I am not saying it has never happened (see story here), I just wouldn't count on it.  Also, if you see them in the water, it does not mean there are not sharks nearby – in fact they usually eat the same food. 
6. If you see a shark, do not try and touch or threaten them.  Unlike stingrays, they will attack to defend themselves if they think they are in danger.
7. A good rule of thumb if diving or surfing in areas with great white sharks is to get out of the water if there are a lot of seals or sea lions about.  They are the great white’s favorite food. 
8. Swim, surf or dive in a group.  Sharks most often attack lone individuals.

In the unlikely event that you are attacked

1. This isn’t a bear, don’t play dead.  Use any means to get away, concentrating your blows on the sensitive areas of their eyes or gills.
2. If bitten, attempt to stop the bleeding and leave the water as calmly and quickly as possible.
3. Seek immediate medical attention, flag down a lifeguard, call 911.