Be Shark Smart: Follow these simple
tips to stay safe in the water

While statistics show that shark bite incidents remain very rare, there is always a level of risk involved whenever you enter the ocean.  We cannot always control the natural environment, but we can control our behaviour to minimise these risks. As more people enter the ocean, it is inevitable that more encounters with aquatic animals will occur. In some of these encounters, sharks will interact with humans, and occasionally some people will get bitten. To minimise the risk of having a negative encounter with a shark, it is essential that we increase our knowledge of shark behaviour and their biology.

Based on what we know about the factors surrounding shark bite incidents, the following Shark Safe Tips should be considered the next time you enter the ocean to reduce your risk:

1. Swim at patrolled beaches...

 

2. Look before you leap.

 

3. Stay close to shore...

 

4. Don't swim with seals...

 

5. Don't swim in murky water...

 

6. After surfacing from a dive...

 

7. You are more likely to encounter white sharks...

 

8. Don't swim alone.

 

9. When spear fishing...

 

10. Don't harass sharks.

 

11. Leave the water if schools of baitfish...

 

12. Use scientifically proven shark deterrents.