You probably won’t get attacked by a shark, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s already looking more likely, with climate change thought to be attracting bigger sharks to British beaches every year.
Only this week, lifeguards were forced to hoist red flags across St Ouen’s Bay in Jersey Saturday, after a massive 12ft shark was spotted lurking just 40 metres from horrified swimmers. And some experts claim it’s only a matter of time before the likes of hammerheads and great whites are spotted in UK waters too.
While shark attacks are incredibly rare, they can be deadly. Of the 35 incidents this year, seven have proved fatal.
So what should you do if you come face-to-face with a ravenous water-borne death machine? Our top tips will help you avoid it – or at least put up a bit of a fight…
What not to wear
Sharks, it seems, have strong opinions on fashion – mainly when it comes to the wardrobe of their potential supper.
According to the experts, one thing to avoid is shiny jewellery, which sharks have been known to mistake for the scales of yummy fish. They also seem drawn to clashing colours, so keep it tasteful.
According to the International Shark Attack File (SFA): “One always should avoid wearing jewellery because the glint of light reflecting off metal approximates the glint of light off the scales of fishes.”
The organisation adds: “Avoid uneven tanning, bright-coloured and high-contrasting clothing. Sharks see contrast particularly well.”
Right place right time
Another key decision that can increase your chance of contact with a shark is where and when you choose to swim. It seems those ocean predators aren’t always available for dinner.
According to the SFA, dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times, as this is “when many sharks are most active and feeding.”
The experts warn swimming “far from shore” or “between sandbars or near steep dropoffs” can increase your risk, as can nearby fishing activity and sewage spills.
They add: “Avoid areas with known effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial anglers, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity.
“Diving seabirds are good indicators of these fishes’ presence. Avoid water being used by recreational or commercial anglers.”
Don’t splash
Unlike lifeguards, sharks apparently love a good splash. They are often attracted to activity on the surface of the ocean, as they think it may be caused by fish breaching the water.
That’s why sharks have been known to attack swimmers who are splashing in one fixed location, getting them confused for smaller prey.
The SFA says: “Refrain from excess splashing, particularly in a single spot. Sharks can hear the low-frequency sounds from splashing and may investigate to see if there is a fish or prey in distress.
Interestingly, it may be a myth that sharks can sense blood in the water. There’s no evidence of them ever tracking down human blood – but that doesn’t mean you should go swimming with a gushing laceration.
As the SFA points out: “It may still be advisable to stay out of the water if bleeding from an open wound.”
And if that all fails…
So, this is happening. You’re face-to-face with a ravenous beast trying to shred you into human sushi. Whatever you do, stay as calm as possible.
Try and get in a few punches – aim for the nose, eyes and gills as these are a shark’s most sensitive areas. And whatever you do, don’t take your eyes off your foe.
Sharks can use various tactics, including ‘hit-and-run’ and ‘bump-and-bite’ attacks. But give them a good, hard stare and you might find they back down. Or not.
Keep your front and sides protected and, if possible, use an object such as a surfboard as a weapon rather than your bare hands.
If you are bitten, stem the bleeding as soon as you can. Seek emergency help if you survive.