NATURE
What to do if you see a shark while swimming in the ocean?
A shark attack in Florida has prompted interest from swimmers in what to do if you come face to face with one of these predators.
Sharks have a fearsome reputation mainly due to how they are often portrayed in media: as predators who are out to attack or kill humans. However, most sharks are not dangerous to humans and rarely attack them, as they prefer to eat fish and marine mammals.
What is the likelihood of being attacked by a shark?
According to the National Ocean Service, only about a dozen out of more than 300 shark species have been involved in attacks on humans. For those who are more statistics-minded, AccuWeather reports that the likelihood of being attacked by a shark is 1 in 3.75 million, whereas the chance of getting struck by lightning is 1 in 500,000. According to the news organization Sentient Media, five people are killed by sharks per year on average. Humans, on the other hand, have decimated the population of this animal, killing more than 100 million of them each year. Per the International Fund for Animal Welfare, some estimates reach up to 273 million sharks killed annually.
What to do if you see a shark while swimming in the ocean?
In the unlikely event that you encounter a shark while swimming in the open sea, it’s important to remember that most of them are not interested in attacking humans. Avoiding panic will help you take appropriate action.
- Stay calm and try to maintain your composure. Avoid making sudden movements or splashing excessively, as these actions can attract the shark’s attention.
- Do not provoke or antagonize the shark. Maintain a respectful distance and avoid any aggressive behavior towards the shark.
- If possible, slowly and steadily move towards the shore or a solid structure like a boat or a pier. It’s important to avoid rapid or erratic movements that may trigger the shark’s predatory instincts.
If the shark approaches you, try to maintain eye contact with it. Sharks are more likely to leave you alone if they realize you are aware of their presence. - If you’re in a group, stay close together. Sharks are less likely to attack a large group of people.
- If you have any equipment or objects nearby, such as a surfboard or a boat paddle, you can use them as a barrier between you and the shark. However, do not use them to touch or strike the shark if they are not bothering you.
- If the shark behaves aggressively and shows signs of imminent attack, such as swimming towards you with its dorsal fin out of the water, you may need to take more assertive action. Aim for the shark’s sensitive areas, such as its eyes and gills, using any available objects, while continuing to move towards safety.
Remember, shark attacks are extremely rare, and most species are not a threat to humans. Educate yourself about local shark populations and follow any beach or swimming guidelines provided by local authorities.