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Keep calm, avoid panicking, and refrain from splashing wildly. Refrain from urinating and bleeding while swimming in the ocean—these tactics may help you escape the jaws of the ocean's deadly predator.
Professional surfer Mick Fanning has become the center of attention worldwide, showcasing a miraculous escape from an unexpected shark attack.
Here are some secrets shared by CNN to somewhat shield tourists from the horror of becoming shark prey while swimming in the ocean and, like the Australian athlete, having a stroke of luck.
Understanding the odds of a shark attack
The truth is not everyone is unfortunate enough to encounter a shark and be attacked like Mick Fanning. According to revelations from Richard Peirce, a shark researcher and former president of the Shark Trust in the United Kingdom, the chances of being attacked are very low—one case in every 11.5 million people.
Therefore, don't let the fear of sharks keep you from declining lively beach parties in the summer.
Avoid swimming in river mouth areas
According to Peirce, travelers should steer clear of swimming in river mouth areas, especially where bull sharks, white sharks, and tiger sharks—species with a higher likelihood of attacking humans—are present.
“Many terrifying attacks happen in river mouth areas, where people still often choose to do laundry and bathe daily,” the shark researcher added.
Avoid swimming in areas with fishing boats
When you're swimming at sea and see a distant fishing fleet, it's best to steer clear of that area. The reason is, if fishermen are catching fish in the open sea, that spot is sure to attract sharks.
Avoid swimming during dawn
Swimming in the early morning or late night can be a serene and enjoyable time for travelers. However, it is also the time when you are most susceptible to shark attacks. “Many attacks occur during this time when your visibility is reduced, making it challenging to observe things around from a distance,” Peirce stated.
Avoid bleeding and urinating while swimming
Sharks have an incredibly acute sense of smell from a considerable distance. The detection rate of blood in its water is one drop of blood in a few hundred million drops of water. Blood makes sharks aware that there is prey in the water, making them more attracted.
Urine has a similar effect, especially for surfers spending the whole day in the ocean. They urinate frequently, and the smell of urine seeps into their swimwear.
Female travelers in their “red period” should also limit swimming in remote areas.
If you're under shark attack, stay calm
When facing a shark, the worst thing you can do is panic and splash water wildly around. Remember, this is counterproductive as it only heightens the shark's curiosity.
Stare into the eyes of the “sea devil”
When a shark is swimming around you, try to turn and face it, making eye contact. “Sharks are ambush predators, meaning they'll attack you from behind. If you face it the entire time the shark is circling you, it will make the creature feel less comfortable attacking and less likely to sneak up from behind,” explained Peirce.
Sever the tail cling
If you're a diver, try to find a position where the shark cannot circle behind you. Turn your back toward coral reefs, and from there, you only need to observe the shark directly in front of you. From there, you can swim up to the top of the coral reef, then gradually move back toward your boat.
Swim against the tide
Remember not to create a commotion in the water and then swim against the shore. “You must always keep the shark within your sight and swim slowly, gently into shallow waters. If rescue is on the way, swim quickly to the shore or climb onto the boat.
Confuse the foe's direction
If you notice a shark swimming past you without intending to attack, try to roll your body into the smallest circle possible. This will make the shark uninterested in you and not perceive the person in front as a foe competing for its food.
Bravely engage in combat
If you're under a shark attack, the only way is to fight for survival to protect yourself. Hit, punch hard at its sensitive points, but be cautious not to let it bite your hand. Many suggest punching the shark's nose, but remember behind the nose is the mouth – a perilous spot. Peirce recommends hitting the gills – a sensitive area and a not-so-bad target for an attack.
When underwater, turn the items you carry into weapons, like a skateboard, camera, or even a snorkel, to fight back against sharks.
Additional Information:
On July 19, professional surfer Mick Fanning, competing in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, was suddenly attacked by a shark from behind. He punched and kicked the shark, then swam rapidly to escape its jaws. This moment left the audience, including Fanning's mother, Elizabeth Osborne, breathless as they watched live on television.
“I don't know if he's crazy or a hero,” she told reporters, recalling her son's battle with the sea devil.
Source: Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourJuly 24, 2015
