|
Many people harbor an irrational fear of sharks, often inspired by overly dramatic movies depicting bloodthirsty killing machines with no motivation other than to cause destruction. In reality, though they are agile, skilled predators, sharks are responsible for far fewer annual deaths than snakes, bees, and wasps. With accurate knowledge, swimmers can easily avoid and survive shark attacks.
Several types of sharks are known to attack humans, including tiger, bull, blue, nurse, and great white sharks, each of which attacks with varying levels of aggression. The most common type of attack is a hit and run, when the shark swiftly inflicts a single bite and leaves. Bump attacks occur when the shark circles an object first, bumping into it to test its reaction before inflicting multiple bites. A sneak attack is swift and severe, with little preamble leading to multiple bites. Sneak attacks and bump attacks are the most dangerous because they inflict multiple wounds.
The best way to survive a shark attack is to avoid one. Sharks are most active during twilight and evening hours, and staying out of the water during those times is a sensible precaution. Most attacks occur on single swimmers, and staying with a group discourages a lone predator. Sandbars may trap large fish such as sharks when tides shift, and being aware of underwater geography helps swimmers avoid hidden depths and drop-offs where sharks are likely to feed. Sharks have excellent vision and bright colors, contrasting swimwear, or shiny accessories may attract their attention.
A shark’s sharp senses help it locate prey. Swimmers should avoid carrying dead fish while snorkeling because it is more likely to attract a shark’s acute olfactory sense than to attract turtles or other fish. Sharks easily detect small amounts of blood that may indicate wounded fish, and swimmers should avoid going into the water with open wounds or while heavily menstruating. Swimmers should be aware of other wildlife in the area, such as diving birds which indicate plentiful fish to attract sharks.
When a swimmer is threatened by a shark, the best defense is to remain calm. Sharks are naturally curious, and sudden movements create erratic vibrations the shark interprets as startled prey. Keep watching the shark but swim steadily toward shore or other swimmers. As a predator, a shark only continues attacking while it feels it has the advantage, and a large group will make it nervous and more likely to leave.
If the shark charges, strike it repeatedly on the eyes or gills – the most sensitive parts of the fish’s anatomy. A common myth advises hitting the shark’s nose, but it is actually quite sturdy and more likely to anger the animal than dissuade it. Repeated quick, sharp strikes will confuse the shark, making it believe there are multiple attackers, and it will break off its pursuit. If possible, use a stick, oar, or other piece of equipment to hit the shark – the skin is very rough and may injure a swimmer’s hands, and bleeding cuts excite the shark further as it senses the weakened prey. When the shark stops attacking, swim steadily away and seek help as soon as possible for injuries and to notify authorities.
Sharks are intelligent, inquisitive creatures equipped with powerful, deadly jaws that have given them an undeserved reputation as bloodthirsty monsters. By avoiding areas where sharks commonly feed and remaining calm when faced with a curious shark, swimmers can easily survive most attacks.
|
| |
