If you plan to enter the water in an area where dangerous sharks are known to be present, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk of an attack:
Research: One of the best ways to avoid a shark attack is by understanding the geographic location where you will be swimming. Before entering the water, research the area and find out if there have been any recent shark sightings or attacks. Local and regional governments will often provide information on their websites explaining warning signs and flags posted on the beach, as well as the dangers of sharks in the area. In Western Australia, for example, the government launched an app specifically designed to keep beachgoers informed about recent shark sightings.
Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or bright clothing: Sharks are attracted to shiny objects, so avoid wearing jewelry or clothing that reflects light. Particularly in murky water, a shark may confuse shiny jewelry or high-contrast clothing with the reflection of fish scales and mistake it for prey.
Swim / Surf / Play in Groups: You are more likely to be attacked by a shark if you are alone than when you are with a group of people, so bring a friend if you can or swim close to other groups of people.
Avoid ocean activities at dawn, dusk, or night: Depending on the species, sharks can be more active during these times. In addition, the lack of visibility diminishes your ability to detect the presence of sharks and the ability of sharks to properly identify their prey. As a result, sharks may mistakenly target you as prey and be able to approach you undetected.
Do not swim near schools of fish, fishing boats, or piers: If you see schools of fish jumping out of the water or birds diving into the sea in certain areas, you should consider exiting the water, as large groups of fish can draw sharks. Both recreational and commercial fishermen often discard unwanted fish and fish parts, which can also attract sharks. Avoid these areas and rely on your research to find beaches monitored by a lifeguard and/or beach patrol. Lifeguards and beach patrol are excellent resources, so if you have any questions, you should feel free to approach them and always heed their advice.
Plan for what to do if you see a shark and how to survive a shark attack: In the rare event that you do encounter a shark, there are some key behaviors that you can exhibit to communicate to the shark or sharks that you are a predator like them, and not preay, while calmly and vigilantly distancing yourself from the threat. We cover these tips in more detail below.
Wear Sharkbanz shark seterrents: Sharkbanz shark deterrent devices use patented magnetic technology to deter sharks from approaching. The devices, which can be purchased as sleek and non-intrusive wearables, use powerful permanent magnets to generate an electromagnetic field that overwhelms a shark’s electrical sensory organ, which can create avoidance behavior from the animals. Marine biologists and shark experts endorse Sharkbanz as an effective device for reducing the risk of shark attacks.