Sharks rarely attack, but when they do, it generally results in severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Researchers don't believe sharks attack humans to eat us; instead, they bite into our flesh because they are curious to know what kind of animal we are - a bit like how dogs like to sniff out new friends, only much more deadly. Staying away from shark habitat is the surest way to avoid getting hurt, but if you accidentally wander into shark-infested water, you'll need to have a plan in place.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Survive
Step 1. Don't take your eyes off the shark
Sharks have several different ways of attacking. Sometimes they immediately swam in and attacked, sometimes they circled around it for a while before charging, and sometimes they sneaked in from behind for a surprise attack. In order to defend against a shark, you have to know where it is, so make an effort to keep an eye on the animal, even while you're trying to escape.
Step 2. Stay calm and don't make any sudden movements
When you first encounter a shark, chances are it will swim away ignoring you. You can't beat the shark's swimming speed, so trying to run to safety isn't the best option, unless you're really very close to the shore. It's important to be resourceful about yourself so you can constantly assess the situation and figure out how to get to safety.
- Move slowly toward shore or ship; choose the closest. Don't move your hands and feet wildly or make splashes of water when you swim.
- Don't get in the way of the shark. If you're standing between a shark and the open ocean, step aside.
- Don't look away from the shark when you move. Remember, it's important to keep an eye on the shark.
Step 3. Get into a defensive position
If you can't get out of the water right away, try to reduce the chance of the shark's angle of attack. If you're in shallow enough water, your feet still touch the ground. Slowly turn your back on rocks, piles of rocks, or rocks protruding from the surface - any solid obstacles to keep the sharks from circling behind you. This way you only have to defend against attacks from in front of you.
- If you're diving near the shore, you may need to descend to find a hideout. Look for coral reefs or rocks at the bottom of the sea.
- In open water, back to back with other swimmers or divers so you can see, and defend against attacks from any direction.
Part 2 of 3: Fighting Sharks
Step 1. Hit the shark in the face and gills
Playing dead will not deter an aggressive shark. Your best bet if attacked is for the sharks to see you as a strong and convincing threat. Usually a hard blow to the gills, eyes, or snout will cause the shark to retreat. These are the only areas where sharks are vulnerable.
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If you have a spear gun or a stick, use it! Sharp objects are a great way to inflict enough pain to scare off a shark. Aim for the head, specifically at the eyes or gills.
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If you don't have a gun, improvise. Use an inanimate object, such as a camera or a rock to ward off the shark.
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If you have nothing around you, use your own body. Aim at the eyes, gills, or snout (tip of the nose) of the shark with your fists, elbows, knees and feet.
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Step 2. Continue to fight if the shark persists
Hit the eyes and gills repeatedly with hard and sharp thrusts. Don't hesitate before hitting, as this doesn't provide any extra power underwater. You can also claw at its eyes and gills. Keep doing this until the shark lets go of you and swims away.
Part 3 of 3: Escape and Get Help
Step 1. Get out of the water
Even if the shark swims away, you're not really safe until you're out of the water. The shark will probably leave for a while and come back to continue the attack. Get back to shore or to the ship as quickly as possible.
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If there are ships nearby, call calmly but loudly, for them to come to you. Stay as still as possible while waiting - as long as the shark isn't actively attacking you - and get on board as quickly as possible once the boat reaches you.
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If you are near the beach swim fast, but gently. Move wildly and your blood spreads, can attract more sharks. Perform a gentle reverse breaststroke, this requires less splashing than other swimming strokes.
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Step 2. Get medical attention
If you have been bitten, get treatment as soon as possible. Heavy blood loss can occur, depending on the place where you have been bitten, so take the appropriate steps to stop the bleeding. Even if your wound looks minor, it's still important to have it checked out. Stay calm until you get medical treatment so your blood doesn't pump faster through your body.
Tips
- Do not give up. As long as you keep fighting back, there's a good chance the shark will eventually give in and look for easier prey.
- Remember to breathe while you fight. You need enough oxygen to defend against attacks effectively and escape quickly and retreat to safety.
- Remember not to make sudden movements. This will attract sharks because these creatures will be able to feel your movement.
- If you are attacked while in a group, form a circle and protect yourself from inside the circle. Kick and punch out of the circle.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Sharks usually hunt near very steep slopes or near shorelines. If you see fish constantly jumping out of the water, it probably means there is a predator nearby, which is probably a shark.
- Don't wear bright jewelry or watches. This can attract sharks. Instead, choose plain and dark colors.
- Sharks tend to swing their prey around to tear the flesh from their prey, so if someone is bitten "hug" the shark (stick to it), this reduces the risk of large amounts of skin or limb being ripped from the body. Also, doing this prevents the bitten area from getting stuck in the shark's mouth, as the shark's teeth taper inward to lock in its prey.
- Keep calm and swim calmly to the shore or whatever is near you so you can rest without being in the water and then call for help.
- Don't cut off the shark's path to the sea. This will make him feel threatened and will attack.
- Make sure you try to make your blood clot. That way you will lose less blood and energy.
- Stay above the water.
- Try to wear dark clothes if you are diving.
