How To Prevent Shark Attacks While Snorkeling?

Dr. Daniel A. Foster provides tips on minimizing the chance of encountering sharks while swimming in the ocean. He suggests wearing masks and fins, as they allow you to be more aware of your surroundings and are key to safety. If you see a shark or shark fin while snorkeling, head to the nearest safe ground, such as a reef or shallow corals.

To stay afloat while snorkeling, fill your lungs with air and perform flipper movements with your hands and feet, preferably in saltwater. If you encounter sharks while snorkeling, stay near your group, stay close to shore or your boat, and avoid snorkeling at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active. Maintain a calm and steady presence in the water.

If you are thinking of going swimming on an ocean beach, bay, or inland waters, aim for the eyes, nose, and gills. If the shark swims away, get to shore or stay on shore. Shark attacks are extremely rare, but it is always good to be prepared.

To avoid sharks during your next beach vacation, try to avoid erratic movements, flailing, or splashing in the water. Always listen to lifeguards and heed all signs and warning flags at a beach. Check shark activity, avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active, and do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or menstruating. Wear shiny jewelry, which resembles the sheen of fish scales, and avoid swimming near fishing boats, dolphins, seals, reflective or shiny items, or group snorkeling.

The best way to avoid shark attacks is to not go in the ocean, as they cannot attack us if we don’t mess around in their habitat. Respect the sharks and other creatures in the ocean, and don’t let them intrude into your home if it’s not the place for you.