Got to the Ocean? Sharks are known to attack pretty much
everywhere, with the most notorious places like Florida, California,
Carolinas, Hawaii, Australia, South Africa. But behold! Shark attacks were registered even at Russian
coasts. So... here is how to minimize a shark attack risk.
Unfortunately surfers and bodyboarders are in a high risk group
for shark attacks. It comes naturally, as sharks are attracted to fast
moving objects in the water, sharks favourite haunting spots include
sandbars, jetties and riffs (which also coincide with the best
wave-generating spots), and surfer's silhouettes look like seals from
underwater. Here is a bunch
of strategies to consider, when venturing into "shark infested" waters,
and how to avoid a shark attack: - Chose the
right time and place to minimize sharks to be present in the water with
you.
- Don't be a bait!
- Don't act
as a prey
- Don't be in a bad
company.
In more detail:
- Avoid dawn, dusk hours and
nights, - sharks' normal feeding
hours.
- Avoid murky waters, harbor
entrances, channels, and steep
drop-offs.
- Stay away from the
mouths of rivers, especially after heavy rains, as they may
bring freshwater fishes and other animals remains to
sea.
- Don't wear anything reflective or
shiny, like jewelry or watches, - it may attract sharks and
other predators.
- Avoid contrast
colors and patterns in you outfit and gear. Especially orange
and yellow, - "Yum, yum, yellow!". Even tan lines are noted as making
you a bait.
- Don't get any blood to the
water; some say, don't pee as
well.
- Don't splash nor do erratic
moves in the water - you'll be perceived as a prey by a
shark. Splashing is a sign of desperation or weakness to
sharks
- Stay with the crowd, get a
swim buddy, - don't be a stray
calf!
- Avoid fishing spots, fishing
boats - fish and their remains are not a good
company
- Avoid sea life. If you see fish jumping, seagulls, sea animals (even
dolphins) crowding - get away from the
water.
- Keep pets out of the water - they are not a good company as their erratic behaviour and splashing may attract sharks
- Stay away from dead
animals in the water.
Important
things to remember: - Shallow water does not
guarantee safety. There are known attacks on depth of 1-3 ft. and even
chasing onshore!
- Sharks are attracted to
fast-moving objects
- Sandbars (areas between them), jetties, riffs, steep drop-offs are sharks' favourite haunting spots
- surfer's
silhouettes look like seals from underwater - favourite sharks'
food
Good
reads:
|