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The relative risk of a shark attack is very small but, risks
should always be minimised whenever possible in any activity.
The chances of having an interaction with a shark can be
reduced if you consider the following advice:
-
When visiting a new beach always seek local advice.
-
In southern waters (particularly in the Great Australian
Bight) do not swim or surf near seal colonies.
Seals are a main food source for White Pointers.
-
Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to
attack a solitary individual.
-
Do not stray too far from shore. This isolates
an individual and additionally places one far away from
assistance.
-
Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight
hours (dusk and dawn). This is when sharks are most active
and have a competitive sensory advantage.
-
Do not enter or stay in the water if bleeding.
Sharks can sense blood diluted millions of times in water.
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Do not urinate in the water.
-
Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected
light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
-
Avoid waters with known effluents or sewage and those
being used by recreational or commercial fisherman, especially
if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity.
-
Diving seabirds are good indicators of fish feeding
activity.
-
Do not swim after handling fish until you
have washed your hands, arms and any traces of the
fish off your body.
-
Sightings of dolphins do not indicate the absence of
sharks. Both often feed on the same school of fish.
-
If you see fish, squid or turtles coming inshore, or
zooming across wave faces in unusual numbers, or swimming
in an erratic manner, get out of the water and watch from
the shore. The sea life is probably fleeing from predators,
possibly sharks.
-
Take time to consciously scan the water when sitting
up on your surfboard. You will be looking out for waves
anyway.
-
Most big sharks (tigers) can be seen in time to
safely leave the water.
-
Unfortunately, White Pointers have a tendency
to appear from directly under their selected prey
if in deep water.
-
When paddling or swimming away from a shark, use the
smoothest stroke you can muster in the situation. Panic
will attract the shark.
-
Use extra caution when waters are murky.
-
Open beaches rather than rivermouths or estuaries
have clearer water and less fish (shark food) attracting
nutrients.
-
Sharks test by nudging or tasting if they can't see.
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Avoid uneven tanning and bright coloured bathers or
wetsuits. Sharks see contrast particularly well.
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Refrain from excess splashing. Do not allow pets in
the water because their erratic swimming movements will
attract curious sharks.
-
Exercise caution when in the channel between sandbars
or near steep drop-offs. These are favourite hangouts
for sharks (and unfortunately surfers as well).
-
Do not enter the water if sharks are known to
be present (a shark alarm siren will sound if a shark
is sighted at a patrolled beach).
-
Consider swimming or surfing at patrolled beaches
for more safety.
-
Leave the water if sharks are there (obvious, but there
is no accounting for the way some people think).
-
Do not harass a shark if you see one. It may
harass you back.
References:
-
-
-
Reader's
Digest, Australia's Dangerous Creatures, p.97,
Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, 1990.
-
Maniguet X, The jaws of death, pp.163 -188, (translated
by Christie D.A.), Harper and Collins, 1992.
-
Sharks, Shark Fisheries & Safety Tips, Western
Australian Department of Fisheries,
web
page,
2005.
-
Safety on the Reef, Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Service,
2002.
-
Kolkert
H, Sharks - Everyone Fears the Unknown, coastview.com,
Tasmania,
,
2001. web
site
-
Shark Attacks: The Facts, Sydney Aquarium, Aqua
News,
2001. web
site
-
Saving Australia's Sharks and Rays, Australian
Marine Conservation Society, 2004.
web site
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Article posted
August 2003.
Updated December 2006
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