| It seems as each summer passes there is an increase | | | | without warning. Repeat attempts to bite are not |
| in the number of shark attacks being reported | | | | uncommon and multiple or sustained bites are normal |
| throughout the world. Some would believe this must | | | | for these types of attacks making these injuries |
| mean there is an increase in the number of sharks | | | | usually quite severe, frequently resulting in death. |
| attacking people in the water. Figuratively speaking, an | | | | Rather than being a case of mistaken identity, these |
| increase in the population could result in an increase in | | | | attacks most likely occur as a result of feeding or |
| attacks and more people to damage. Realistically, it | | | | antagonistic behavior. |
| means our shark attack reporting system has become | | | | If you are a diver, here are a few tips to help you |
| more efficient. | | | | avoid shark attacks during your dive: • Swim in a |
| Your odds of being attacked by a shark in the water | | | | group. Sharks are less likely to attack a group of |
| are quite small. More people are injured and killed on | | | | divers and are more likely to attack a lone diver. Keep |
| land while driving to and from the beach than by | | | | in mind you should at the very least, have a dive buddy |
| sharks in the water. Shark attack injuries are also less | | | | 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, and | | | | hunt at night. If you love night diving, dive with a group |
| sunburn. More people require sutures as a result of | | | | 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 a | | | | flow of blood as soon as possible. Sharks have an |
| falling coconut, than you do of being attacked by a | | | | incredibly sensitive olfactory system and can smell and |
| shark. | | | | taste blood and other bodily fluids and trace the scent |
| Most shark attacks occur quite close to shore in water | | | | back to its source. Menstrual blood may also attract |
| 6-10 feet deep, on a sandbar or between sandbars. | | | | sharks, but there is no indication of increased attacks |
| These are areas sharks are known to feed in and | | | | on menstruating women. Many women dive safely |
| they may get caught in low tide. Swimmers who are | | | | while menstruating and until controlled tests involving |
| splashing and playing in these areas may be mistaken | | | | non-menstruating and menstruating women occur |
| as prey. Underwater locations such as drop offs and | | | | there is no definitive or scientifically proven data that |
| walls are also likely attack sites as natural food | | | | states women are at more risk of shark attack during |
| sources also congregate in these areas. When a | | | | menstruation. |
| shark has attacked a diver, the shark has most likely | | | | • Do not wear shiny jewelry. Shiny jewelry may |
| mistaken the diver as prey or has been unexpectedly | | | | look like 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 involve | | | | stay quiet, and stay where you are. Most sharks are |
| divers in deeper waters; "bump and bite" attacks and | | | | merely curious and will leave on their own. If a shark |
| "sneak" attacks. These types of attacks are less | | | | begins to get too interested in you and is moving |
| common than surface attacks, but result in greater | | | | closer and closer, it is safest to leave the water. Swim |
| injuries and the most fatalities. "Bump and bite" attacks | | | | quickly and smoothly, watching the shark the entire |
| are characterized by the shark initially circling and often | | | | time and keeping your dive buddy within an arm's |
| bumping the victim prior to the actual attack. "Sneak" | | | | reach. |
| attacks are characterized by the strike occurring | | | | |