What to Do When You Encounter a Shark

By Courtney Cooper

 

Shark Encounter: Dos and Don’ts

 

The chances of a shark incident are extremely rare, with odds of about 1 in 3.7 million. This makes it even less likely than being struck by lightning or stung by a bee.

Based on data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, approximately 80-100 shark incidents worldwide are documented annually. In 2022, there were 64 confirmed incidents worldwide, out of which only six resulted in fatalities.

South Africa experienced 12 confirmed shark incidents in 2022, resulting in one unfortunate fatality. Most recorded incidents involve great whites, tiger sharks, and ragged tooth sharks.

Coming face to face with a shark can be quite daunting, but having the knowledge and skills to react appropriately can significantly increase your chances of staying safe. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle a shark encounter. 

We also discuss further shark facts that you might be interested in! Apex Shark Expeditions provides the best great white shark cage diving in Cape Town.

Assume a Defensive Stance

Stay Calm and Maintain Eye Contact

 

The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. Stay focused on the shark, closely monitoring its behaviour and movements. Be mindful of your movements to avoid provoking the shark. Sharks can display curiosity and may swim away peacefully if you stay calm and composed.

When you want to change your position, it’s best to do it with a calm and purposeful approach. Efficiently navigate towards the nearest shore or boat, opting for whichever is in closer proximity, while refraining from making sudden movements or creating excessive splashing, as this may capture the shark’s interest. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re caught between a shark and open water, it’s best to calmly and carefully move out of its path without causing any unnecessary commotion. Ensure that the shark remains within your line of sight as you navigate towards safety.

Fight Back if Necessary

Assume a Defensive Stance

 

If you find yourself unable to leave the water right away, concentrate on minimising the shark’s potential incident angles. Ensure that your feet remain firmly planted on the ground when in shallow water. Position yourself against a sturdy structure such as a reef, rock, or boat to prevent the shark from approaching you from different angles. When you’re out in the open water with a group, it’s important to position yourselves back-to-back. This creates a strong defence that allows you to keep an eye on all directions and support one another.

Fight Back if Necessary

 

Be prepared to defend yourself if a shark becomes aggressive and you are unable to escape the water. Focus on the most vulnerable parts of the shark’s anatomy: its snout, gills, and eyes. These areas are particularly sensitive and can prompt the shark to withdraw if impacted. Utilise various tools, like a spear gun, camera, or pole, to effectively maintain a safe distance from the shark while targeting its vulnerable areas with precise strikes. The objective is to make the shark view you as a formidable adversary, prompting it to retreat.

Understanding Shark Behaviour

Understanding Shark Behaviour

 

It’s crucial to keep in mind that shark incidents are extremely uncommon, and the majority of sharks do not view humans as prey. When sharks come near humans, they tend to be more curious or defensive rather than predatory. Having knowledge about shark behaviour and understanding how to respond in their presence can greatly decrease the likelihood of a potentially dangerous encounter.

We also share insight into what different shark species eat.

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