Have you seen the movie titled Jaws? It is widely regarded as on of the greatest films of all time – and subject is: Shark attack! The original film was released thirty-five years ago andwas followed by several successful sequels (there is even talk of making a 3-D version in 2011).
With the advent of this film, news of shark attacks suddenly moved up to the headline news and media outlets scramble to get every shark attack story. Suddenly we all became a little afraid to go back in the water. But reality doesn’t quite match the hype; in actuality it seems there is a much greater fear of shark attacks than there are actual incidents.
Last year (in 2009) there were 61 shark attacks world wide and 88% in three countries – namely, the United States, Australia, and South Africa (in that order of incidence). Five of all the attacks last year were fatal.
The twenty-eight shark attacks in the USA occurred in Florida (19); California (4); Hawaii (3); Georgia (1) and Texas (1). The majority of all the attacks worldwide were shark going after surfers but nearly all ocean sports have reported at least one incident including wading, swimming, scuba diving, kite surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, spear fishing and just plain floating along on the waves.
So what are the odds a shark will get you if you go in the ocean? According to the International Shark Attack File statistics, the odds of being a victim of a shark attack is about 1 in 11.5 million; and the odds of an attack being fatal are 0 in 264.1 million. In other words, a shark attack is pretty rare.
Still, it can happen and so the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute offer these points to help us avoid a shark attack:
- Always stay in groups in the water since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore—this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating—a shark's ability to smell blood is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing—especially if there are signs of baitfish’s or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on baitfish’s, are good indicators of such activity.
- While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark attacks, sighting 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.
- Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements can cause sharks to mistake them for baitfish.
- Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs—these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
- Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
- Never harass a shark!
So the short answer is, yes, it’s quite safe to go in the water but not exactly one hundred per cent safe.