It is understandable to feel apprehension when thinking about sharks. While encounters are rare, knowing how to respond can help you remain calm and increase safety. This guide offers practical advice for various scenarios, from preventing encounters to reacting during a sighting and reporting it afterward.
Immediate Actions During a Sighting
If you find yourself in the water with a shark, maintaining composure is paramount. Panicked, erratic movements like splashing can attract a shark’s attention, potentially leading it to investigate further. Instead, prioritize remaining calm and moving deliberately.
Once you spot a shark, keep it in your line of sight. Maintaining eye contact signals awareness, making the shark less comfortable approaching stealthily. If you are with other people, gather into a group as sharks are less likely to approach a larger cluster. Slowly and smoothly move towards the nearest safety point, such as the shore, a boat, or a reef. Avoid turning your back as you retreat.
Should the shark continue to approach or act aggressively, be prepared to defend yourself. Aim for sensitive areas like the shark’s eyes, gills, or snout. Using any available object like a surfboard, camera, or pole can help create distance and deliver a more effective strike. The goal is to make the shark perceive you as a threat rather than an easy target, potentially causing it to disengage.
Understanding Shark Behavior
Interpreting shark behavior can provide insight into their intentions during an encounter. Many shark interactions are driven by curiosity rather than aggression. A shark might circle you to assess the situation and gather information using its senses, as continuous movement is often necessary for their respiration. This circling does not automatically indicate an impending attack.
However, certain behaviors can signal agitation or a more assertive stance. A shark exhibiting quick, jerky movements, an arched back, or depressed pectoral fins may be displaying a threat. These are known as agonistic displays, where the shark is attempting to warn you or assert its dominance in its territory. Recognizing these cues can help you determine when to exit the water quickly and calmly.
Minimizing Encounter Risk
Proactive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of a shark encounter. Avoiding swimming during dawn, dusk, or night is advisable, as many shark species are more active and feed during these low-light hours. Swimming in murky or dirty water, or near river mouths and estuaries, can also increase risk because visibility is poor, making it easier for a shark to mistake a human for prey.
Avoid areas with known shark activity, such as where baitfish are present or fishing is occurring. Diving seabirds or jumping fish can indicate feeding activity. Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry or highly contrasting clothing, as these can resemble prey and attract a shark’s attention. Always swim with a buddy or in a group, as sharks are less likely to approach multiple individuals.
Reporting and Next Steps
After a shark sighting, especially a close encounter or one in a populated area, it is important to report the incident to local authorities. This includes lifeguards, park rangers, or marine patrol. Providing specific details helps authorities assess the situation and implement appropriate safety measures for others.
When reporting, include the date, time, exact location (beach name, landmark, or GPS coordinates), and your distance from shore. If possible, provide details about the shark’s species, estimated size, and observed behaviors. Authorities can then share this information, potentially leading to beach closures or warnings.