By Elizabeth Seward
New York, NY, USA | Sat Mar 07 12:30:00 EST 2009
Well, a 15 year old near Sydney, Australia was recently attacked by a shark. And with spring break coming up, partnered with rising temperatures, the average beach population will be increasing, and with it will probably come, unfortunately, more reported shark attacks. It happens this way each year. I mean, it doesn't happen a whole lot. And I doubt it'll happen to you. But, ya know, just in case you are going to the beach soon, I'd wager a bet that you don't want your vacation inconvenienced by a shark that's out to get you. That would cost you time, pain, money, resources from the hospital, and maybe even a limb or two. You'd also be disrupting nature.
A lot of us have picked up tidbits from the news over the years on how to fight a shark if we're attacked, but what do we really know? I mean, I know I'm supposed to 'punch a shark in the nose', but does that mean I'll survive? No. And the idea of punching a shark in the nose scares me. And it wouldn't leave the shark in a great position either...you know, if I, by chance, hit him hard.
The fact of the matter is that we're invading a shark's territory when we go swimming in the ocean—it's not the other way around. (And even if it were, they're the ones with the massive, jagged, terrifying teeth). Leaving a human or a shark wounded shouldn't have to be the solution. The better thing to do is to avoid contact in the first place. (Duh). Getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery and the sun is good for you and it should be simple and fun. Don't let a shark complicate this.
So here are some tips on how to avoid a shark attack:
1. Make sure to swim in a group. Sharks are known to usually attack those swimming alone. The same way human criminals do. Always have a buddy.
2. Don't swim too far from shore. It's less safe and isolates you farther from help. If you're screaming for help a mile into the ocean, the seagulls might hear you, but they won't help you.
3. Don't swim at night, dawn, or dusk. Sharks are often most active during this time and you're less likely to spot them, but they'll spot you.
4. Don't ever go into the water bleeding or with an open wound of any kind. Sharks can smell and taste blood on a completely different level than humans. If they smell or taste it in the water, they will trace it back to its source. And then they'll try to eat its source.
5. Remove all things shiny before swimming. Sharks are attracted to things that shine because they resemble the scales of fish. Which they eat.
6. Avoid waters being fished or with lots of bait fishes. Sharks follow bait fishes, so avoid these areas. A good way to tell if there are bait fishes around is if seabirds are diving for them.
7. Avoid brightly colored clothes; noticeably uneven tan. Sharks' vision has a great capacity for contrast and these sorts of things stick out to them.
8. Don't erratically splash. Unpredictable movements like these are a good way to attract sharks.
9. Avoid steep drop-offs and sandbars. Sharks love to hang out in these sorts of places, so avoid them. Unless you want to hang out with the sharks. In that case, be my guest.
10. If you see a shark—leave. Don't try to touch it, just try to get away before it attacks you. And really, if your first instinct upon seeing a shark is to touch it, I don't know...maybe you need to get bitten, just a little bit, to learn your lesson.
