Shark redirection is a specific safety technique used by people in the water when a shark displays overly curious or investigative behavior. This method is a last-resort measure and is not a substitute for proper attack prevention. Redirection involves guiding the shark away from a person’s immediate space using minimal physical force to alter its trajectory. The goal is to discourage the shark’s approach without causing injury.
Minimizing Risk Through Situational Awareness
The first line of defense against an unwanted shark encounter is preventing it from escalating to physical redirection. Situational awareness in the water involves recognizing and responding to environmental cues that may attract sharks. Avoid entering the water during twilight hours, such as dawn and dusk, when many predatory shark species are most active. It is also prudent to avoid areas with murky water, known fishing activity, or signs of baitfish, as these conditions increase the likelihood of a shark being present.
If a shark is sighted, the immediate response should be to stay calm and minimize erratic movements, as splashing can signal distress or resemble the movements of injured prey. Divers or swimmers should attempt to maintain a vertical body posture rather than a horizontal swimming position, which reduces the profile that might resemble a common prey animal. Maintaining eye contact with the shark is another technique, as this can interrupt the animal’s investigative behavior; predators often prefer to approach prey that is unaware of their presence. A quiet, smooth retreat should be initiated while keeping the animal in sight.
The Techniques of Physical Redirection
When a shark continues a direct approach despite preventative measures, physical redirection becomes the necessary action to prevent contact. The primary technique involves extending the arm fully and locking the elbow, creating a rigid extension of the body. This extended position is used to push the shark away, maintaining a safe distance. The contact is intended to be a firm, steady push, not an aggressive strike, which could be interpreted as a challenge.
The most effective target zone for redirection is the snout, particularly the area immediately above the nose. This region contains the Ampullae of Lorenzini, electroreceptors that are highly sensitive to external stimuli, making it an effective spot to discourage an approach with minimal force. If the snout is not accessible, the eyes or the delicate gill slits are secondary, highly sensitive targets. The action is focused on pushing the animal’s head or flank sideways to change its swimming path. The goal is to use the body’s rigidity to communicate a lack of vulnerability and redirect the shark’s momentum away from the person.
Utilizing Deterrent Tools and Equipment
In situations where direct physical contact is undesirable or impossible, various tools can redirect a shark’s path. Any rigid object carried by a diver or swimmer—such as a pole spear, a dive camera housing, or a snorkel—can create a physical barrier. Extending one of these objects toward an approaching shark helps establish personal space and discourages the animal from coming closer. The item serves as a non-contact extension of the arm, allowing redirection from an increased distance.
Beyond simple physical barriers, electronic and magnetic shark deterrent devices create a safety perimeter. These devices emit electrical or magnetic fields that interfere with a shark’s electroreception, the sense sharks use to navigate and locate prey. The resulting sensory overload is unpleasant for the shark, causing it to avoid the immediate area. Magnetic ankle or wrist bands, for example, generate a localized field, while electronic devices create a larger protective field, effectively deterring the animal without causing harm.
Safe Exit and Post-Encounter Protocol
Following any close-quarters interaction or successful redirection, a safe and immediate exit from the water is paramount. Retreat slowly and steadily toward the boat or shore, maintaining focus on the environment and the shark’s location. Avoid rapid, thrashing movements that could re-attract the shark’s attention or be mistaken for an injured animal. If diving, a gradual and controlled ascent is necessary to prevent injury, while still moving purposefully toward the surface and safety.
The area of the encounter should be vacated immediately, even if the shark has visibly left the vicinity. The presence of any blood, from either the person or a speared catch, can attract other sharks. Maintaining a smooth, deliberate pace during the retreat helps ensure the encounter is concluded safely. Once out of the water, notify others of the shark’s presence and behavior to prevent further close-range interactions.