How to Prevent a Shark Attack

Last Updated: July 8, 2022 References

Sharks are fearsome predators, but humans are rarely on the menu. In fact, far more humans are killed or injured by dogs, bees, snakes, and a whole host of other animals. Still, sharks can be dangerous, and anyone who ventures into their territory needs to have a healthy respect for these fish. If you're going to enter waters inhabited by sharks, it's a good idea to know how to fight off an attack, but it's even more important to know how to minimize the risk of attack.

Steps

1
Stay out of shark-infested waters. The best way to avoid shark attacks is to stay out of water where sharks live. This of course means staying out of the ocean, but it also means staying out of estuaries and coastal rivers and lakes. The dangerous bull shark, in particular, can tolerate fresh water, and these large sharks are known to travel up rivers far inland. In fact, they have been spotted 2,500 miles (4,000 km) up the Amazon and as far up the Mississippi River as Illinois. If you can't avoid getting in the water altogether, at least try to avoid danger zones.^{[1]
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- Heed warnings. Coastal areas where sharks have recently been sighted will often have posted warnings, and even in the absence of these, local people may be able to alert you to potential dangers. Stay out of the water if warned to do so.
- Avoid steep drop-offs and the areas between sandbars. These are among sharks' favorite haunts.
- Avoid waters contaminated with effluents or sewage. Sharks are drawn to these areas. Of course, that's not the only reason to avoid polluted water.
- Avoid swimming near fishing activity. Sharks may come in for a snack off fishermen nets or lines, and they may be attracted by bait or by discarded fish. Even in the absence of fishing boats, if you see seabirds swooping down to the water, there's a good chance there's fishing activity or feeding going on.
2
Know your shark. There are more than 300 species of sharks, but very few of these are considered dangerous to humans. In fact, three species--the white, tiger, and bull sharks--are responsible for the vast majority of human fatalities. These sharks are widely distributed in coastal waters throughout the world, and if you see them or know they are present you should exit the water as soon as safely possible. The oceanic white-tip shark is more common in the open ocean and can also be aggressive. Find out what kinds of sharks may be present where you will be entering the water, but keep in mind that any shark over 6 feet (1.8 m) in length should be considered potentially dangerous.

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3
Carry a weapon. If you're diving in waters where you're likely to encounter sharks, carry a spear-gun or pole-spear. By no means should you provoke an attack or lull yourself into a false sense of security with these weapons, but if you are attacked they may save your life.
4
Dress appropriately. Stick to dull swimwear and wetsuits, as bright or flashy colors with high contrast can attract sharks. Avoid wearing jewelry, as the reflection of light off such accessories is similar to the reflection of light off a fish's scales, and it can thus make you look like food.^{[2]
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Research source} Cover your diving watch with the cuff of your wetsuit. 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.
5
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.
6
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.^{[3]
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7
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.^{[4]
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8
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.
9
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.^{[5]
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10
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 30-45 minute dive would be exceptionally minuscule. ^{[6]
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11
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. But, if you have to get close, be sure to carry a weapon.^{[7]
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12
Don't urinate in the water.

Warnings

The presence of porpoises or dolphins does not make an area safe. While these animals are known to attack sharks, they also feed on some of the same prey, and they're likely to be found in the same area.

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You may have heard "Punch a shark in the eye." Do not do this! This will cause no damage because a shark can protect it's eyes by rolling them back. It may cause the shark to get more aggressive.

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Do not try to swim away from a shark. You will not out swim it, if one is approaching you stay where you are and remain calm. If it attacks you, gouge it in the eyes, nose, or gills.

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Attacks by large or medium-sized sharks are dangerous and potentially deadly. Even smaller sharks (and numerous other types of fish) can inflict painful bites, so avoid provoking them, and always exercise caution when in their realm.

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Exercise particular caution in murky water. When visibility is low, a shark can catch you by surprise. In addition, a shark may attack you in low visibility conditions because it mistakes you for another animal. The most common form of shark attack is a hit-and-run attack, where the shark bites once and then disappears, often in murky water or breaking surf near shore. It's believed that the shark goes in for a taste and then, realizing that the human is not what it expected, goes away.

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If you see a shark, exit the water and alert others. If the shark is aggressive, be prepared to fight (punch the shark in the nose).^{[8]
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Where there are seals, there are likely sharks. Avoid swimming or kayaking in coves where seals live.

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