Avoid A Shark Attack

A professional Australian surfer was attacked by a shark on live TV during an event in South Africa.

19:27 23 July 2015

Mick Fanning, a professional Australian surfer survived a shark attack while he was competing in a World Surf League competition in South Africa. He punched the shark, which came at him from behind, and escaped on a rescue craft.

 

Unprovoked shark attacks are very rare, resulting in just 10 deaths per year. Research shows that the chances of dying from a bee sting are higher than dying from a shark attack.

 

To further reduce the chances, below are tips on how to avoid a shark attack:

 

1.     Avoid being in the water from sunset to sunrise and during or after storms.

 

2.     Stay in a group. People on their own are more likely to be attacked than large groups.

 

3.     Avoid wearing shiny jewellery and brightly-coloured or patterned clothing.

 

4.     Avoid areas used by fishermen and routes where fishing boats are used.

 

5.     Avoid contaminated water and do not swim if you are bleeding; both attract sharks.

 

6.     Look out for shark’s prey. Avoid places where you can find other marine mammals such as seals as they are more likely to attract the attention of sharks.