Monday, 16 April 2012

3 Tips To Avoiding A Shark Attack


For many people, a shark attack is their worst nightmare. Since the release of Jaws, even seeing a shark fin in the water, sets chills down most people’s spine. Although there are many legends describing sharks as man-eaters, most research reveals that human do not form part of their normal food-chain. It is believed that past attacks have been provoked by sharks mistaking swimmers or surfers for prey, or alternatively another predator. Knowing how to avoid being mistaken for prey, or another predator, minimizes the potential risk of being attacked by a shark. Here are 5 ways of a minimizing your risk of a shark attack.

1.)   Stay away from feeding activity of any kind

Whenever you see a lot of feeding activity in the sea (seals, fish dolphins etc.) the chances of there being a shark nearby rises significantly. In this instance, being close to the activity, could lead to a shark mistaking you for another predator and trying to protect his prey.  Stay away from any kind of feeding activity happening in the sea. Feeding activity often takes place at river mouth, and therefore it is also recommended to avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths.

2.)   Do not secret any bodily fluids into the ocean

Sharks have a very keen smell. Bodily fluids in the form of blood, urine, or any other can increase the likelihood of a shark becoming curious and suspecting prey.

3.)   Avoid looking flashy or flamboyant swimwear

Sharks, like most apex predators, are continually on the lookout for food and even spend a lot of time scavenging. Consequently, wearing flashy items, very colourful swimming outfits or wetsuits, can increase the likelihood of raising a sharks curiosity.

Although it is believed that sharks do not intentionally attack humans, following the above mentioned tips, will ensure that the risk of a shark encounter is drastically minimized. To learn more about sharks and their behaviour, go great white shark cage diving in South Africa. Visit website herehttp://www.sharkwatchsa.com/en/a/shark-diving-south-africa/

Marine Dynamics, http://www.sharkwatchsa.com, is a shark cage diving operator in Gansbaai involved with the constant research and conservation of the great white sharks in South Africa

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