How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks If You Are in the Ocean

Ever since the movie "Jaws" was released, swimmers have approached the ocean waters with trepidation. The prospect of being attacked and injured, or even killed, by a shark is terrifying to even the most seasoned ocean swimmer. The good news is that an unprovoked shark attack is highly unlikely. Only about 75 people are bitten by sharks each year, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, and most of those victims survive. If you are concerned about becoming lunch for a great white, though, you can take steps to protect yourself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Swim in clear water so you can see sharks if they approach. Swimming in cloudy or murky water leaves you vulnerable to unseen predators. Stay close to the shore. While sharks have been known to come close to the beach, it's more likely that you'll encounter a shark further out into the water. Staying close to shore also means you can get help fast, if necessary.

    • 2

      Stay out of channels where the ocean floor suddenly drops off. Sharks tend to be prevalent in these areas, and are not always visible from the surface. In some cases, you'll see the telltale dorsal fin above the water line indicating that a shark is present, but more often than not, the entire shark will be underwater.

    • 3

      Remove your shiny jewelry. When the light reflects on the metal, it can resemble a small fish, and attract a hungry shark looking for a snack.

    • 4

      Plan your swimming trip for midday. Sharks are most active in the early morning, early evening and overnight hours, and they can see in the dark.

    • 5

      Cover any bleeding cuts completely, or stay out of the water altogether if you're bleeding. Sharks have a strong sense of smell, and will seek out the source of blood if they smell it -- even from over a mile away.

    • 6

      Scan the water before going in. If you see sharks, stay out. If you see large numbers of birds diving into the water for fish -- or you spot a large number of fish nearby --- use caution, as fish attract sharks. Pay attention to the behavior of other animals nearby. If large numbers of fish suddenly swim away, it's a good indication that a shark is in the area.

    • 7

      Swim with other people, but avoid splashing too much. Sharks are most often attracted to people who are swimming alone and who are making many sudden movements.

    • 8

      Wear a neutral or dark colored swimsuit that is not an extreme contrast to your skin; orange and yellow are most likely to attract sharks, according to the National Geographic website. If you have an uneven tan, cover up. Sharks have excellent vision and are attracted to things that contrast.

    • 9

      Get out of the water if you see a shark. Heed all of the warnings from lifeguards or other officials, or reports from other swimmers.