HOW TO AVOID A SHARK ATTACK

Worldwide, there are probably 70-100 shark attacks annually resulting in about 5-15 deaths. That's a probable because not all shark attacks are reported. Information from Third World countries is especially poor, and in other areas efforts are sometimes made to keep attack reports quiet for fear of bad publicity which could result in a drop in tourism. You can image the drop in the tourist business if Miami Beach of Waikiki reported that there were fifteen shark attacks during the last season resulting in five deaths.

Historically, the death rate from shark attacks was much higher than today, but the advent of readily available emergency services and improved medical treatment has greatly reduced the chances of an attack resulting in death. The actual numbers of shark attacks certainly are going up each year because of increasing numbers of bathers in the water, but there is no indication that there is any change in the per capita rate of attack.

Most attacks occur in near shore waters, typically inshore off a sandbar or between sandbars where sharks feed and can become trapped at low tide. Areas with steep dropoffs are also likely attack sites. Sharks congregate there because their natural food items also congregate in these areas.

There are three major kinds of unprovoked shark attacks. By far the most common are hit and run attacks. These typically occur in the surf zone with swimmers and surfers the normal targets. The victim seldom sees its attacker and the shark does not return after inflicting a single bite or slash wound. In most instances, these are probably cases of mistaken identity that occur under conditions of poor water visibility and a harsh physical environment (breaking surf and strong wash/current conditions). A feeding shark in this habitat must make quick decisions and rapid movements to capture its traditional food items.

Bump and bite attacks and sneak attacks, while less common, result in greater injuries and most fatalities. These types of attack usually involve divers or swimmers in somewhat deeper waters, but also occur in near shore shallows in some areas of the world. Bump and bite attacks are characterized by the shark initially circling and often bumping the victim prior to the actual attack.

Sneak attacks differ in having the strike occur without warning. In both cases, unlike the pattern for hit and run attacks, repeat attacks are not uncommon and multiple or sustained bites are the norm. Injuries incurred during this type of attack are usually quite severe, frequently resulting in death.

Almost any large shark, roughly 3-4 feet or longer in total length, is a potential threat to humans. Three species, however, have been repetitively implicated as the primary attackers of man: the white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark. These species probably are responsible for a large portion of bump and bite and sneak attacks. Other species, including the great hammerhead, shortfin mako, oceanic whitetip, Galapagos, and certain reef sharks (such as the Caribbean reef shark) have been implicated in these style of attacks. Evidence from Florida, which has 20-30 of these type attacks per year, suggests that the blacktip and blacknose sharks are the major culprits in this region.

You can reduce your chances of a shark encounter and attack staying with a group since sharks are more likely to attack a person alone. Never wander too far from shore. This will isolate you and put you in a position where assistance is difficult to obtain should you be attacked. .

Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage. Never enter the water you're if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's olfactory ability is acute. Wearing shiny jewelry is not a good idea because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales. Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.

Contrary to belief, sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks. Both often eat the same food items. Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing since sharks see contrast particularly well. Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements.

Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep dropoffs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks. Obviously, do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and get out of the water if sharks are seen. Never harass a shark if you see one.