How To Avoid And How To Survive A Shark Attack

First … Avoid Shark-Infested Waters:

Obviously, the best way to survive a shark attack is to avoid a shark attack … by not being in shark-infested waters. Before getting into any body of water, be sure you know what dangerous predators are likely to be in the water.

For example, I once took a boat ride on the Adelaide River in Northern Australia . It was a very scenic muddy-colored river in the middle of a virtual wasteland. But the river is literally infested with crocodiles … hundreds of them every

half mile … on the shore and in the water. You would never know unless you looked along the shoreline very carefully. I was walking on the pier near the Adelaide River, and I saw a very pretty marble-colored shark swimming in the crystal clear turquoise water. You Don’t want to swim there.

Other areas to avoid … sharks primarily eat fish … they are scavengers, so they eat dead fish too. Avoid swimming around fishing boats and anywhere you see lots seabirds flocking heavily in one area. If you see a frenzy of seagulls, you know there is some kind of food there.

Anytime you swim in an area with potential predators, don’t swim at dusk or at night. Sharks are most active at these times. Don’t swim in deep water, near the mouth of a saltwater river, or in murky water.

If You Are In The Water:

Sharks can smell a small amount of blood from miles away, so if you cut yourself, get

out of the water. Also, contrary to what you have seen in the movies, sharks tend to avoid crowds; so swim where lots of other people are swimming. Remember, there’s safety in numbers.

Also, avoid brightly-colored bathing suits and wetsuits and try not to wear anything shiny (watches, jewelry, buckles or clasps). Shiny things sparkle when the reflect the sunlight … just like scales on a fish. You don’t want to look like a fish to predators in the water. It is safer to wear dark, plain colors and painted or brushed-finished metals (e.g., buckles, SCUBA tanks, etc.).

If you see a shark after you are in the water, first of all, do not splash around like an injured animal. Movement and agitated water attacks predators, and never provoke a shark by lunging at it or waving your arms and legs.

If A Shark Attacks:

Attacking sharks start by darting around, zigzagging and lifting its head. If you see this behavior, swim away quickly, but smoothly (remember no thrashing and splashing), and get out of the water as soon as possible.

If you can’t get away … or if you have a choice for how to get to your exit … try to get your back to rocks, a reef, or another swimmer, so you only have to defend from one direction. Remember to move smoothly and gently.

If the shark actually attacks, it’s because it thinks you are food or smells blood (and goes into a frenzy), stay as calm as you can, and punch the shark when it gets within easy reach. Don’t lunge to reach it. You can punch or gouge it with an object. Given a choice, it’s better to gouge the shark with a blunt object so you don’t cut it … which creates more blood in the water and attracts more sharks. Regardless of whether you punch or gouge, aim for its eyes, gills, or nose; these areas are most sensitive.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but try to avoid punching or gouging the sharks mouth. If your hand goes in its mouth, a shark’s teeth slant backwards to hold its prey in its mouth, and there’s not much you can do unless the shark decides to let go.

WARNING: The best survival technique is to avoid getting into a dangerous situation in the first place. This article presents some basic things you could do if the situation allows. There is no guarantee it will work every time in every scenario. Please do not put yourself in such a risk situation to “test” this technique.