BEACH TIPS AND INFORMATION
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF A FATAL SHARK ATTACK
Statistics and news accounts have indicated an individual is more likely to be killed by a lightening strike than in a shark incident. One study covering a thirty year period shows on average that about 172 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Of this group there will be about 47 fatalities. News accounts indicate an individual is more likely to be killed by Christmas tree wiring or a plane crash, and less likely to be bitten by a shark than win the lottery.
HOW TO AVOID SHARK ATTACKS
1. Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don't move too far away from assistance.
2. Stay out of the water
at dawn, dusk and night when some species of sharks move inshore to feed.
3. Do not enter the
water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect
blood and body fluids in very small concentrations.
4. Avoid murky waters,
harbor entrances, and other areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy
rains), channels or steep drop offs. These types of waters are are known to
be frequented by sharks.
5. Do not wear
high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.
6. Refrain from
excessive splashing; keep pets (dogs) which swim erratically, out of the
water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
7. Do not enter the
water if sharks are are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and
calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke
or harass a shark, even a small one.
8. Be alert to the
activity of fish or turtles. If they start to behave erratically, leave the
water. A shark may be present.
9. Remove speared fish
from the water or tow them a safe distance beyond you. Do not swim near
people fishing or spear fishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.
10. Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards, and follow their advice.
11. Avoid waters with known
effluents or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman,
especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving
seabirds are good indicators of such action.
12 Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks --- both
often eat the same food items.
13. Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and
bright colored clothing --- sharks see contrast particularly well.
14. Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because
of their erratic movements.
15. Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep
drop-offs --- these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
REPORT LARGE SHARKS
AFRAID OF SHARKS??
JUST HOW CLEAN ARE THE WATERS?
©2003 Emerald Coast Info