Read This Before Swimming in the Ocean This Summer

All of your shark attack questions answered.

Shark attacks are rare, but they do happen. Recently, two women were attacked in the Bahamas after jumping off a boat, a man out for his daily morning swim was attacked in Australia, and a woman wading in shallow water was attacked in Turks and Caicos.

Nevertheless, according to Ian Campbell, PADI AWARE Associate Director for Policy and Partnerships, the odds of being killed by a shark are minuscule. Specifically, he says only 1 in 3,748,067 people will be attacked by a shark.

To put those odds in perspective, “a person is far more likely to be injured or killed driving to the beach than they are from a shark attack at the beach,” explains Robert J. Latour, a professor at the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. That’s because humans are not natural prey for sharks, he explains.

When sharks do attack, it’s rarely unprovoked, Latour says. Most shark attacks result from sharks trying to escape being captured because they were provoked or because they confused a human with a sea creature they normally eat. While no plan is fool proof, there are ways to further minimize your chances of being attacked by a shark even further.

“Sharks aren’t monsters,” says Forrest Galante. Instead, they are complex, beautiful animals that deserve our respect, he adds.

“The ocean is their home, and when we enter it, we become guests. You’ll find that sharing the water with sharks is one of the most thrilling, humbling experiences a human can have,” as long as you respect their space, he elaborates.

Although it’s natural to be afraid of sharks, you shouldn’t let your fear prevent you from experiencing the beauty of the underwater world or the ocean, Campbell says. In fact, seeing a shark in their natural habitat “is often life-changing and will change your perception of this highly misunderstood animal,” he says.

Learning about sharks and what to do if you see one in the wild can help you enjoy the water confidently and safely.

Where Do Sharks Live?

If you are in an ocean, sharks are likely nearby. “Usually, I tell people to dip their finger in the water and then taste it. If it tastes like salt, there’s sharks in that water,” Galante says. He explains that you are most likely to encounter sharks in warm, coastal waters like Florida, South Africa, Australia, and certain parts of the Pacific.

How Common Are Shark Sightings?

If you spend enough time in the ocean, chances are you will eventually see a shark. “Shark encounters are extremely common, especially for surfers, divers, and snorkelers,” Galante says. Although many people who spend time in the water are likely to see a shark, “attacks are exceedingly rare,” Galante says. “You’re more likely to be injured by your toaster than a shark. Most sharks want nothing to do with you. If they come close, it’s usually out of curiosity, not aggression,” he explains.

Where Are You Most Likely to Encounter Sharks?

Oceans are big, and sharks could be anywhere. However, sharks gravitate to where they are more likely to find prey. Sharks are part of a healthy ecosystem, and “most of the time, they’re cruising along reefs, sandbars, drop-offs, or areas rich in fish,” like river mouths, Galante says. Sharks are also more likely to be found near popular fishing spots because the bait used to attract fish can also attract sharks.

Can You Swim While on Your Period or With an Open Wound?

Sharks are attracted to the scent of blood. Sharks can detect almost any type of blood, including blood from a cut, blood in urine, and menstrual blood, Latour explains. For that reason, it’s common practice to avoid the ocean with any type of open wound, Galante says. However, Latour says that he isn’t aware of any evidence showing that menstrual blood is a factor in shark bites, and there isn’t any data suggesting that sharks “prefer” biting women who menstruate.

“When in doubt, stay out of the water, but I would say there is no added risk of a shark bite for menstruating women in the water,” Latour says.

How Can You Tell if a Shark Is Nearby?

Spotting a shark in the ocean isn’t always easy. “Obviously, you can look for fins protruding out of the water, Latour says. “Birds diving, baitfish schooling tightly, or seals and even large fish acting panicked can signal the presence of a predator,” Galante adds.

In clear water, you can also look for a dark shadow in the shape of a shark moving through the water. “But remember, just because you don’t see a shark doesn’t mean it’s not there, Galante says.

Latour also cautions that not everything that resembles a shark is dangerous. Many fins protruding from the water belong to other animals, and it can be hard to tell if a dark shape moving through the water is a shark or a similarly sized creature. Latour says that his department gets dozens of photos of supposed shark sightings each year that turn out to be marine mammals or cow nose rays. However, if you aren’t sure if what you saw is a shark, the safest course of action is to proceed as though a shark is nearby.

Fortunately, most of the time, you won’t be left to your devices to figure out if sharks are nearby. Before getting in the water, check local advisories. “Many beach areas will post signs or use apps to report recent sightings,” says boating expert Roger Dunbar from boating guide Boatmart.

What Should You Do if You See a Shark in the Water?

If you are still on land and see a shark, it’s best to stay put and watch from afar. However, if you are in the water, what you should do next depends on what type of shark you spot. “Smaller sharks will likely leave you alone since they are likely searching for food, and you are too large to be considered prey,” Latour says.

However, if you see a large shark, you should get out of the water as calmly, deliberately, and quickly as possible, Latour explains. It’s very important not to panic because “if you act like prey, they will treat you like prey,” Galante says. He explains that “sharks are incredibly sensitive to erratic movement,” so moving slowly and calmly, without splashing, is crucial.

Galante also advises maintaining eye contact and slowly backing away toward safety without turning your back on the shark, if possible. “Show the shark you’re aware of it, but don’t challenge it or try to flee like prey,” Galante advises.

If you spot a shark while diving, Galante says to remain vertical to lower your chances of being mistaken for prey.

What if You Can’t Get Away From the Shark?

When you see a shark, getting out of the water may not always be possible. If you don’t see a quick way around the shark or are far from the shore, don’t panic. Instead, “do your best to remove yourself from the area by slowly swimming away,” Latour says.

How Should You React if a Shark Gets Close to You?

Sometimes, you won’t see a shark until it’s very close. If you don’t spot a shark until it’s within arm’s reach, you should be assertive without being aggressive, Galante advises. He suggests maintaining eye contact and using your fins, camera, or hands to gently redirect the shark’s snout away from you. “Sharks are intelligent animals. They respond to confidence,” Galante says. Remember, “you’re not trying to fight the shark—just show it you’re not a meal,” he says.

When a shark is within biting distance, it’s also very important to avoid sudden movements and stay as still as possible, Latour says. Any sudden splashing or ripples in the water may cause the shark to think there is prey nearby.

What Can Cause You to Be Mistaken for Prey?

Usually, it’s safe to have fun in the water without worrying about being attacked by a shark. However, a few precautions can help you enjoy the ocean responsibly.

If you know sharks are nearby, enjoying the ocean calmly without splashing or making abrupt movements will reduce your risk of being mistaken for prey.

Taking your jewelry off before getting in the water can also help. Rings, watches, and other types of jewelry can create a “flash in the light” resembling fish scales, Latour says. That “may lead to an unwanted interaction with the shark,” he says.

Additionally, pay attention to what you are wearing. Galante says that bright colors, especially yellow (often called “yum yum yellow,”) bright green, and white, stand out underwater and can attract sharks. “If you want to blend in, stick to dark, muted tones,” he advises.

However, Galante stresses that scents attract sharks more than colors. “Blood, fish guts, or even human sweat can pique their interest in certain contexts,” he says. Avoiding strong-smelling lotions or perfumes that may resemble prey scents is also helpful, Dunbar says. Rinsing off before you get in the water can help keep you safe.

What Happens if You Are Attacked by a Shark?

In the unlikely event you are attacked by a shark or see someone being attacked, “hitting the shark in the snout or eyes can be effective in ending the attack,” Latour says. Aiming for other sensitive areas like the eyes and gills can also help, Dunbar says.

Should You Intervene if You See Someone Being Attacked by a Shark?

Although you may be tempted to swim towards someone being attacked by a shark, proceed with caution. “You’re no help to anyone if you become the second casualty,” Galante says. However, if you think you can safely assist someone, there are some things you can help without putting yourself in danger. If someone starts panicking because they spot a shark nearby, helping them stay calm from afar can make a huge difference, Galante says.

“If there’s an actual attack happening, it’s an extreme situation,” he says. In that case, use any object you have, such as a camera, a surfboard, fins, a knife, or a stick, to distract the shark. However, “never put yourself in between the shark and its victim,” Galante says. Calling for emergency services can also help.

What Should You Do if You Are Still Afraid of Sharks?

If you are still afraid of sharks, Campbell suggests acknowledging and accepting your fear. He says that because sharks are often portrayed as scary, aggressive creatures, it’s natural to be afraid.

“Once you recognize you’ve only heard one side of the story, the bad side, you’re ready for step two,” he says.

After acknowledging your fear, Campbell recommends educating yourself about the minuscule risks of being attacked by a shark. “Your life is full of dangerous activities, including many everyday things that are more dangerous than sharks, including driving. People simply choose to accept the risks and carry on,” he says.

Then, Campbell suggests watching shark videos to better understand why seeing certain species of sharks is at the top of many divers’ wish lists. “Documentary films such as Sharkwater or Shark Girl can be an effective antidote to the negative messaging about sharks you’ve seen throughout your life,” he says.

Finally, Campbell suggests talking to someone who can relate. “There’s a good chance you’ll meet a diver who used to be scared of sharks until they saw one underwater,” then a switch flipped, he says. He explains that after their first encounter with a shark, “the scary predator simply becomes one of many fascinating creatures you look forward to seeing underwater.”