How can i avoid being attacked by a shark

SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn more. Smart Home FAQ. Safety Tips Methodology Back to top. By Katie McEntire. Published on July 22, Share Article. We dove into the data to learn about the history of shark attacks in the US since Our Fishy Findings.

Florida and Hawaii hold the top spots for most shark attacks out of any other coastal states. Out of the 91 million recreational swimmers in the US, there are only about 44 attacked by sharks each year.

There have been only 17 fatal shark attacks in the last 20 years in the US, eight in the past decade and nine the decade before. Even with growing coastal populations, the number of nonfatal shark attacks has remained about the same between the s and s. From — there were nonfatal attacks, and from — there were On a global average, only six people die from shark attacks each year.

There were no shark-related fatalities in the US in Men are more likely to fall victim to shark attacks perhaps because they participate in activities like surfing, diving, and long-distance swimming more often than women. Since , one in four victims were female, and three in four were male. Most Common Shark Species in Attacks. Great White. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts.

Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile. Log out. While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark attacks, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.

Use extra caution when waters are murky. Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark's attention. Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark's attention. Similarly, avoid or cover uneven tanning, as the contrast makes you more visible to shark. The bright yellows and oranges typical of life jackets and flotation devices can be attractive to sharks, but if you're in the open ocean you need to consider that these colors also make you more visible to rescuers.

Be vigilant. You may encounter any number of hazards when diving, surfing, or swimming in the ocean or coastal rivers, and you should always be wary. Proceed with caution in whatever you do, and be aware of your environment. If you spot a shark, don't let it out of your sight until you're safely on shore or in the boat.

Move gracefully. Avoid splashing on the surface of the water, and try to swim smoothly at all times. Avoid sudden or erratic movements when in the presence of sharks, as these may draw attention to you and, worse yet, give you the appearance of being wounded. If you see a shark nearby while you're diving, stay as still as possible to avoid attracting its attention or threatening it.

Swim in a group. Regardless of the danger of sharks, you should avoid swimming alone. If sharks are present, however, it's even more important to travel with a buddy or a group. Sharks are less likely to approach and attack a group of people, and if one member of the group is attacked, help is immediately available. When diving in the presence of sharks, one member of the group should be charged solely with watching the sharks and detecting changes in their behavior.

Recognize aggressive behavior. Sharks swimming slowly and smoothly are generally not a threat. They may approach divers but are generally just curious when they do so. If a shark begins making sudden movements, swimming quickly or erratically, or if it shows signs of aggression or irritation--pointing its pectoral fins down, arching its back, pointing its head upward, zig-zagging, or charging--it may be considering an attack.

Swim quickly and smoothly to safety, either out of the water or to a defensible location, and prepare to defend yourself. Stay out of the water at night and during dawn and dusk. Sharks hunt most actively at these times, and they're harder for you to see in dark conditions. Also in shark-prone areas try to avoid overcast days, as it approximates the light levels at dawn and dusk's feeding times.

Stay out of the water if bleeding. If you have an open wound. Women need not be concerned if they are experiencing menstrual bleeding. Tampons remedy this, and without one the amount of blood released in a minute dive would be exceptionally minuscule. Avoid provoking sharks. A little less than half of documented shark attacks result from provocation or harassment of sharks, particularly by divers.

Use common sense, and give sharks plenty of space. Do not attempt to catch or prod sharks. Don't corner them, and don't try to get close to them to photograph them.