It seems that as each summer goes by, more and more shark attacks are reported all over the world. Some people might think that this means there are more shark attacks on people in the water. Figuratively speaking, more people could mean more attacks and more people to hurt if there are more of them. In the real world, it means that our system for reporting shark attacks has become better.
There isn't much chance that a shark will attack you in the water. When going to and from the beach, more people are hurt or killed by cars than by sharks in the water. Injuries from shark attacks are also less common than injuries like spinal cord damage, jellyfish stings, dehydration, and sunburn that can happen on the beach. More people need stitches on their feet because of cuts from sea shells than because of shark bites.
You are more likely to be attacked by lightning, die from a bee sting, or get hit in the head by a falling coconut than by a shark.
Most shark attacks happen in water 6 to 10 feet deep, close to shore, on a sandbar or between sandbars. Sharks are known to eat in these places, and when the tide is low, they may get stuck. People splashing around and playing in these areas could be mistaken for prey. Underwater places like drop-offs and walls are also likely to be attacked because this is where natural food sources gather. When a shark attacks a diver, it is most likely because the shark thought the diver was food or was startled by the diver.
Divers are usually involved in two types of attacks: "bump and bite" attacks and "sneak" attacks. These kinds of attacks happen less often than surface attacks, but they cause more damage and kill more people. "Bump and bite" attacks are when the shark circles the victim and sometimes bumps them before biting them. Attacks that are "sneak" are those that happen without warning. Biting is often tried more than once, and multiple or long-lasting bites are common in these kinds of attacks. This means that the injuries are usually very bad, and often lead to death. Most likely, these attacks don't happen because of a case of mistaken identity. Instead, they happen because the animals are hungry or acting aggressively.
If you are a diver, here are some things you can do to avoid getting attacked by a shark:
- Don't swim at night, at dawn, or at dusk. Night is when sharks hunt. If you like to dive at night, go with a group and bring a dive lamp.
- Swim together. Sharks are less likely to attack a group of divers and more likely to attack a single diver. Keep in mind that you should always dive with at least one other person.
If you are bleeding, don't go in the water. If you start bleeding while scuba diving, stop the bleeding as soon as you can. Sharks have very sensitive noses. They can smell and taste blood and other bodily fluids, and they can follow the smell back to where it came from. Sharks may also be interested in menstrual blood, but there is no evidence that menstruating women are more likely to be attacked by sharks. Many women dive safely while they are on their periods, and until controlled tests are done with both women on and off their periods, there is no scientific proof that women are more likely to be attacked by sharks when they are on their periods.
- Don't wear anything shiny. A shark might think that shiny jewellery looks like small fish.
During a scuba dive, if you see a shark, you should stay calm, be quiet, and stay where you are. Most sharks are just interested and will go away by themselves. If a shark seems too interested in you and keeps getting closer, you should get out of the water. Swim quickly and smoothly while keeping an eye on the shark and keeping your dive buddy close by.
