The fear of sharks (also known as Galeophobia or Selakophobia) is a serious problem for some people. This fear makes them unable to swim in the sea or travel by boat or boat. Although sharks are predators of the sea, they actually represent very little threat to humans. Arm yourself with information and knowledge about sharks, then face your fears and find out how to have fun with sharks. In this way, you can overcome that fear and enjoy the atmosphere of the sea, and even start to like these impressive creatures!
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Part 1 of 3: Dispelling Myths about Sharks by Understanding Them
Step 1. Learn as much information about sharks as you can
To start overcoming your fear of sharks, first find out about sharks. By recognizing the habits of sharks, you can dispel myths in popular culture that construct images of sharks as man-eating sea monsters. Apart from that, there are some important facts about sharks that you should know:
- There are more than 465 known species of shark.
- Sharks are the highest marine predators and can regulate animal populations in the sea.
- Shark diets include fish, crustaceans (eg shrimp or crab), molluscs, plankton, krill, marine mammals and other sharks.
Step 2. Understand that sharks don't eat people
Humans are not part of the shark diet. There is no evidence to suggest the existence of man-eating sharks. Keep in mind that for sharks, the human body has too much bone, but too little fat for the shark to be uninterested in eating it. Instead of eating humans, sharks will be more interested in eating seals or turtles.
Step 3. Find out the possibility of a shark attack on you
Most people who have a phobia of sharks are often afraid of shark attacks. When they are at sea, images of shark teeth are large and sharp usually appear. However, shark attacks on humans are actually very rare. The possibility of such an attack occurring is only 1 in 11.5 million. On average, only five people die from sharks each year. To get a clearer picture of these possibilities, try to think about the following common things from everyday life:
- Bites of mosquitoes, bees, and snakes cause more deaths each year than shark attacks.
- While at the beach, the chances of injury or injury such as spinal cord injury, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and sunburn are greater than the chances of a shark attack.
- In 1990-2009, there were 15,000 people who died in bicycle accidents. Meanwhile, only 14 people died from shark attacks. In the same period in Florida, more than 112,000 people were injured and injured in bicycle accidents, while only 435 people sustained injuries from shark attacks.
- In fact, a pet dog attack is more likely than a shark attack.
- About 40,000 people die each year as a result of road accidents in the United States.
Step 4. Find out which shark species are most likely to bite humans
Of the 465 known species, only a few are known to have bitten or were able to bite humans. For example, species such as the great white shark, bull shark, and tiger shark have been reported to have bitten humans.
Tiger sharks are known as social animals. Many divers have swam around the shark safely. Meanwhile, white sharks sometimes want to guard their territory and try to scare you away from their territory. In addition, white sharks are also very curious, so there is a chance that they might try to bite you to find out who (or what) you really are. However, many reports indicate that the great white shark is an animal that enjoys socializing and playing with divers. On the other hand, divers around the world have dived among bull sharks. Meanwhile, the whale shark, one of the largest shark species, feeds mostly on plankton and has a docile character
Step 5. Realize that shark bites are often the result of curiosity or an error in object recognition
Usually, sharks don't bite humans on purpose (in this case, intentionally attacking humans). Instead, the bite is exploratory (like a hamster or guinea pig bite) and is used by the shark to identify objects it encounters-in this case, humans. Think of a shark bite as a similar gesture that humans show when touching and recognizing objects with their fingers.
Another common cause of shark bites is an error in object recognition. There are certain types of swimwear that can confuse sharks. Clothing with contrasting colors, such as black and white or black and neon colors, as well as certain patterns in very contrasting colors can make the shark “confused” and think that the light-colored part of the swimsuit is the fish
Step 6. Think about the harm humans pose to sharks
Regardless of the injuries or incidents caused by sharks to humans each year, humans are actually endangering the lives of more sharks each year. Between 26 and 73 million sharks are killed and sold in the market each year through boiling and illegal fin cutting; The shark's fin is cut off and the body of the shark is thrown back into the sea and, sometimes, the shark that is thrown back is still alive. That means, on average, more than 11,000 sharks are killed every hour.
- 90% of the shark population in the ocean has been wiped out since 1970.
- For this reason, many shark species are listed as endangered species or animals. In addition, we may witness the extinction of some shark species.
Step 7. Fight the sensationalism the media creates about sharks
Thanks to popular culture, sharks have become man-eating monsters living on the ocean floor. Movies like “Jaws” build on that stereotype. Think about how often the movie's theme song is used to scare someone. However, it is not only monster films that reinforce this false stereotype. When there was an interaction between sharks and humans, the news media seemed very excited in reporting the incident. Usually the media uses phrases such as “shark attack” even though there was no attack at all – it was just a “meeting”.
- 38% of cases considered to be shark attacks from 1970 to 2009 in New South Wales, Australia actually resulted in no injuries at all.
- Shark research groups have started a campaign to change media terminology so that reports or news stories use more positive terms, ranging from “shark appearances” and “shark interactions” to “fatal shark bites”. This way, the news media can stop spreading and maintaining negative and harmful stereotypes about sharks.
Part 2 of 3: Facing Fear
Step 1. Talk to a shark expert
Visit the oceanarium in your city and talk to the shark caretaker or nurse there. These experts have extensive knowledge of sharks and can answer questions, and deal with any issues you may have with sharks.
Step 2. Try to face the shark head-on
One of the best ways to overcome your fear of sharks is to swim with them. Usually, it is the oceanarium (eg Ocean Arena) that provides the opportunity for its visitors to swim with the sharks. Of course, you'll be swimming with the sharks in a safe and controlled environment so you can face your fears and begin to erase the thought that all sharks are killer animals.
Try diving or snorkeling in the sea. Diving or snorkeling can give you a clear picture of the sea. As you do this activity, you may notice that, if any, there are very few sharks swimming in the ocean. On the other hand, you can actually see a lot of corals, rocks, and fish in the sea. If you swim among the sharks, you'll notice that most sharks are tame animals that aren't even attracted to humans
Step 3. Try swimming or activities in the water
Explore the beach or the sea. Try swimming or surfing. Go around the sea by boat. Try to realize that just being in the water doesn't mean you're going to attract sharks. Don't let the fear of sharks keep you from enjoying the activities at sea.
When at sea, put your hands in the water to help overcome your fear of the unknown
Step 4. Visit the sharks in the oceanarium
If swimming with sharks or going out to sea is too much for you, start slowly overcoming your fear. Visit the oceanarium in your city and see an aquarium filled with sharks to familiarize yourself with them. Walk up to the mirror and look into the shark's eye. Adapt to the presence of the shark. Watch and see how it behaves in front of other sea animals, and learn how to swim and move its body. View sharks as animals, not monsters.
If you're really afraid to be near sharks, even behind the glass walls of an aquarium, take a look at pictures of sharks. Watch documentaries and shows that show the instincts or natural behavior of sharks rather than shows that depict sharks as cold-blooded killers. Try to get comfortable with the facts about sharks, then slowly try to see the sharks in the oceanarium
Step 5. Try touching the baby sharks sold at the nearest fish shop
Shops selling tropical fish usually stock small sharks. Ask the store clerk if you can try holding the baby shark. Surely this can be an opportunity to touch his skin and interact with him. In addition to pet shops, several oceanariums also offer the same to their visitors. This will hopefully reduce your fear of sharks significantly.
Step 6. Talk to a therapist or hypnotherapist about your phobia
If these suggestions don't work, try talking to an expert. The therapist can help you identify the root of your phobia that may be related to other seemingly unrelated problems. In addition to a therapist, a hypnotherapist can also help you deal with your fear in alternative ways.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing How To Coexist With Sharks Safely
Step 1. Avoid dark and gloomy water areas
Areas of water that make you difficult to see can jeopardize your safety. Sharks living in these areas may not realize that you are a human and mistake you for their food. This can encourage him to bite you.
Stay close to the coast. Try to stay away from ledges or ocean basins and canal openings. Sharks are known to often congregate in these places
Step 2. Stay away from beaches known for their shark populations
Although sharks live throughout the oceans, shark appearances often occur on certain beaches. A coastal area in Volusia County, Florida, for example, is known for its high incidence of shark populations. In addition, beaches in California, South Africa, and Australia are also quite famous for the abundance of sharks. Therefore, look for beaches that are known for their shark population and avoid these beaches.
Step 3. Don't be at sea at dusk or dawn
Sharks are usually most active at these times. In addition, at both times, the shark will be looking for food. Therefore, swimming, diving, and surfing at these times (especially in areas known for their shark populations) can certainly endanger your safety. Chances are you'll get bitten by a shark if you interrupt their feeding time.
Watch out for when the moon is full (and when a new moon appears). During this lunar period, the tides are very high and can affect the shark's breeding patterns and behavior
Step 4. Avoid areas of water with high seal populations
Exercise caution when swimming, diving, or surfing in areas where seals are high. Seals are one of the main food sources for sharks. Therefore, the probability of shark emergence will increase in these areas. Of course, there will be a risk of shark bites caused by sharks mistaking you for food.
Step 5. Never go out at sea alone
It is more likely that a shark will bite one person rather than a group of people. Therefore, swim, dive and surf with other people. If this is not possible, work in areas that are within the control of rescue crews.
If you want to dive and swim with sharks, always do the activity with someone with experience in swimming with sharks. It can help ensure your safety. Also, learn how to behave around sharks before diving in and swimming with them, and learn as much information about sharks as you can beforehand
Step 6. Do not swim or go to sea when you are bleeding
Blood can attract sharks, so don't swim or go out in the ocean if you have a fresh cut. If you have your period, it's a good idea to postpone these activities until your period is over, or use a leak-proof tampon product.
Also, try not to swim, dive, or surf in areas of water filled with dead (and bloody) fish carcasses. The presence of these carcasses can attract the attention of sharks
Step 7. Don't wear shiny things in the water
Sharks are attracted to shiny objects, including flashes of light in dark environments. To avoid the attention of sharks, do not wear jewelry, swimsuits that look slippery and shiny, or swimsuits with a combination of light and dark colors when you are out at sea.
Step 8. Do not move quickly suddenly
If you notice potentially dangerous sharks nearby, such as white sharks, tiger sharks, or bull sharks, do not move violently suddenly. Sharks are attracted by quick and sudden movements and can perceive them as prey fish.
Try to stay away from the shark as calmly and slowly as possible. However, if the shark is chasing you, of course you will have to swim fast
Step 9. Wear a special swimsuit that can ward off sharks
Researchers have designed a camouflage swimsuit that helps divers to blend in with the marine environment. In addition, researchers are also developing swimsuits that resemble the fish that sharks avoid because of their venom. There is also a company that is developing a product called Shark Shield, a special device that can ward off or repel sharks through electromagnetic waves. These devices can be used or installed on kayaks, fishing boats and diving equipment.
Warning
- Be aware that the appearance of sharks is one of the dangers that lurk in activities at sea. Therefore, have an in-depth knowledge of sharks and enjoy their presence as part of an active marine culture.
- Show some respect for sharks. Do not anger the shark, approach it violently, or annoy it. Even though sharks won't necessarily attack you because you're in water or active in the ocean, you still need to feel alert and “appreciate” their existence, and realize that sharks can be dangerous and are predatory animals. Attempting to interact with, touch, kiss, or climb on the flippers may result in injury.
