Shark Attack

It seems as each summer passes there is anstrike occurring without warning. Repeat attempts to
increase in the number of shark attacks beingbite are not uncommon and multiple or sustained
reported throughout the world. Some would believebites are normal for these types of attacks making
this must mean there is an increase in the number ofthese injuries usually quite severe, frequently resulting
sharks attacking people in the water. Figurativelyin death. Rather than being a case of mistaken
speaking, an increase in the population could result inidentity, these attacks most likely occur as a result
an increase in attacks and more people to damage.of feeding or antagonistic behavior.
Realistically, it means our shark attack reportingIf you are a diver, here are a few tips to help you
system has become more efficient.avoid shark attacks during your dive:
Your odds of being attacked by a shark in the water- Swim in a group. Sharks are less likely to attack a
are quite small. More people are injured and killed ongroup of divers and are more likely to attack a lone
land while driving to and from the beach than bydiver. Keep in mind you should at the very least,
sharks in the water. Shark attack injuries are also lesshave a dive buddy with you during all dives.
common than injuries afflicted on the beach, such as- Avoid the water at night, dawn, or dusk. Sharks
spinal cord damage, jellyfish stings, dehydration, andhunt at night. If you love night diving, dive with a
sunburn. More people require sutures as a result ofgroup and make sure you have a dive lamp.
sea shell lacerations on their feet than shark bites.- Do not go in the water if you are bleeding. If you
You have a better chance of being hit by lightning,start to bleed while scuba diving, attempt to stop the
dying from a bee sting or being hit on the head by aflow of blood as soon as possible. Sharks have an
falling coconut, than you do of being attacked by aincredibly sensitive olfactory system and can smell
shark.and taste blood and other bodily fluids and trace the
Most shark attacks occur quite close to shore inscent back to its source. Menstrual blood may also
water 6-10 feet deep, on a sandbar or betweenattract sharks, but there is no indication of increased
sandbars. These are areas sharks are known to feedattacks on menstruating women. Many women dive
in and they may get caught in low tide. Swimmerssafely while menstruating and until controlled tests
who are splashing and playing in these areas may beinvolving non-menstruating and menstruating women
mistaken as prey. Underwater locations such as dropoccur there is no definitive or scientifically proven
offs and walls are also likely attack sites as naturaldata that states women are at more risk of shark
food sources also congregate in these areas. When aattack during menstruation.
shark has attacked a diver, the shark has most likely- Do not wear shiny jewelry. Shiny jewelry may look
mistaken the diver as prey or has been unexpectedlylike small fish to a shark.
startled by a diver.- If you see a shark during a scuba dive, stay calm,
There are two types of attacks that usually involvestay quiet, and stay where you are. Most sharks are
divers in deeper waters; "bump and bite" attacks andmerely curious and will leave on their own. If a shark
"sneak" attacks. These types of attacks are lessbegins to get too interested in you and is moving
common than surface attacks, but result in greatercloser and closer, it is safest to leave the water.
injuries and the most fatalities. "Bump and bite"Swim quickly and smoothly, watching the shark the
attacks are characterized by the shark initially circlingentire time and keeping your dive buddy within an
and often bumping the victim prior to the actualarm's reach.
attack. "Sneak" attacks are characterized by the