How to Survive a Shark Attack

According to one report, about 100 people are attacked by sharks around the world each year. Out of these 100 people, only 25 to 30 die. So your chances of encountering a shark and being killed are slim. But if it should ever happen to you, there are steps you can take to swim safely away.

Instructions

    • 1

      Shout, yell and make a lot of noise if you see a shark near where you are swimming. Hopefully this will alert people on the beach who can then come to your assistance. Cry out "Shark!" several times, and then head quickly for the shore if at all possible.

    • 2

      Get into a position of defense. Try and back up to a reef or a rock if at all possible so that the shark cannot swim up from behind you. If you there is no surface to back up against and you are swimming with someone, get into position with your backs against one another. Try and swim together towards a boat or shore.

    • 3

      Stay silent and as still as possible if the shark is approaching or circling you. Float in a vertical position rather than horizontally on your stomach or back. Sharks are used to their food swimming or splashing in a horizontal position and are more likely to leave you alone if you are vertical and not moving.

    • 4

      Fight back. Sharks, unlike some other animals, will not leave you alone and swim away if you "play dead." If you defend yourself and land several blows, the shark is more likely to look elsewhere for his lunch. Aim for the eyes and gills, using anything you have: fishing spear, oxygen tank, even your fists or elbows.

    • 5

      Use a tourniquet if you get bitten. You can make one using a surfboard leash or even a torn piece of your bathing suit. If you are a surfer, you should keep a length of surgical tube on you whenever you are in the water, as surfers are attacked by sharks more frequently than anyone else.