How to Survive a Shark Attack

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Sharks

Thanks to Hollywood, sharks have a very bad rap. No doubt they are dangerous, but almost all attacks on humans are due to mistaken identity. In most cases, they think humans are food so they have a taste. They then realize that we taste disgusting and leave.

How to Fight a Shark

The vast majority of shark attacks on humans are mistaken identity. Humans don’t taste good to sharks! Still, they are the king of the ocean, so you want to stay out of their way.

Like most animals food is what will attract a shark, whether it is real or mistaken identity. Blood and fish are the biggest attractions. So is anything that resembles these, like shiny objects or human waste.

Whether you are in a life raft or not, if you spot a shark, be loud and slap the water.

If you don’t have a liferaft and are in a group, bunch together and face out. Everyone should shout underwater and slap the surface.

When a shark starts circling you, it is a sign of attack. When it comes at you, strike at its gills, eyes, and nose.


What Attracts Sharks

If you are in the ocean, the best things to do is not attract sharks in the first place. Curiosity and the smell of food are what attracts them the most. Some examples are:

  • Blood
  • Human waste
  • Bright colors
  • Schools of fish
  • Shiny objects
  • Trash

How to Repel Sharks

If you spot a shark, be loud. Hopefully, it will get scared and swim away.

If it starts circling inwards and making sudden movements, it is a sign that it is going to attack.

How to Avoid a Shark Attack

To avoid a shark attack, you need to stay out of its feeding grounds. These include inshore of sandbars and areas with steep drop-offs.

Any school of fish will also attract them. Especially when near the surface and/or in shallow water.

Like most predators, sharks prefer easy prey. Being in a group makes you less of a target.

They will also try to catch prey off-guard. Hunting is easier when lighting is poor, so be warier in twilight and darkness.

How to Survive a Shark Attack

Your chances of outswimming a shark are very slim. It is better to make rapid changes of direction.

Slapping the water with cupped hands may deter it. Shouting underwater can also help.

If you are in a group, bunch together and face out. Everyone should shout underwater and slap the surface.

When it gets close, make quick strikes at its gills and eyes. If you can’t reach those, go for the nose. Use anything you have as a weapon, and if you have nothing, use your palm heel.

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