How to Avoid a Shark's Attack

Sharks always have haunted nightmares, and these ancient ocean predators are here to stay. On the other hand, as much as movies portray sharks as man-eating creatures, shark attacks are usually cases of misunderstanding such as when the shark mistakes the surfer paddling on his surfboard for a seal. According to the Shark Info website, there are fewer than 100 shark attacks in the world each year even with the 15 billion people surfing, bathing and swimming each year. At the same time, shark attacks can be terrifying, and you should know how to avoid them.

Instructions

• 1

  Sharks will more often attack a solitary swimmer than a group.

  Swim in the ocean with a group, since sharks are more likely to attack those swimming alone.

• 2

  Sharks hunt for food at dawn and dusk.

  Avoid the ocean during dusk, dawn and night, according to National Parks Conservation Association's Avoiding Shark Attack website. Those times are also when sharks are more active.

• 3

  Avoid swimming when bleeding, menstruating or handling anything that has blood on it. Sharks are attracted to blood.

• 4

  Wear dull-colored swimsuits and wetsuits, since bright contrasting swimwear will get a shark's attention. According to the Ichthyology at Florida Museum of National History's website, leave your jewelry off when swimming in the ocean, as it may look like the scales of a fish.

• 5

  Avoid splashing or making panicked movements because it will attract sharks that may mistake you for an injured fish. This is why it is not a good idea to let your pet swim in waters that may have sharks.

• 6

  Stay away from steep drop-offs, areas between sandbars, waters contaminated by sewage and waters used by fishermen. Sharks are attracted to all these places for food.

• 7

  Listen to the warnings for shark sightings and avoid sharks accordingly. If you do see a shark, don't harass it.