How to Avoid and Survive a Shark Attack

Very few people are attacked each year by sharks. But if it does happen you can greatly increase your chances of survival by knowing what to do. That is exactly what this article aims to do.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Curious shark
• quick thinking

1. 
    

   The best strategy is to not be involved in a shark attack to begin with.
   You can do this by staying away from the mouths or openings of rivers after heavy rain. Staying away from all fishing boats because they trail fish chum. If bleeding you should stay on the sand, sharks can smell blood from over a mile away. Avoid groups of seals, fish and sea lions. Stay away from dolphins and sea birds, they eat what sharks eat. Some people think if dolphins are around they are safe, this is a myth large sharks eat them to.

2. You should also stay out of the ocean at dawn, dusk and night. You should not wear shiny jewelry or bright clothes. You should try to avoid a lot of splashing this attracts them because they think your injured. And finally don't go to far from shore, this strands you from help and increases your chances of an encounter.

3. 
    
   gills

   If you are attacked you still have options. If you are about to be bitten find a weapon if possible. The shark has only a few weak points. The eyes and gills are particularly sensitive. Some experts say the sharks snout can be punched but I would only use that method on small sharks. Try to gouge the eyes or tare at the gills.

4. If the shark gets you in its mouth you have to get highly defensive. Playing dead will not work here at all. Start hitting the gills and going for the eyes of the shark. Most of the time a shark will only bite once that's when you should focus on getting to dry land. But they don't always leave so still stay on the defensive as you swim ashore.

5. 
    
   tourniquet

   If bitten try to get to a beach and get help immediately. Your first concern is to stop the bleeding. You can do this with a primitive tourniquet. Once help arrives you also need to stay warm from the shock that follows major trauma. If its a minor injury or you got away make sure and warn the authorities and the public immediately.

6. In conclusion, shark attacks are very rare and only a handful of people are attacked each year. But if you follow these basic pointers along with common sense sharks will be the least of your worries on the beach.

Tips & Warnings

• Your best bet is to avoid the shark encounter not wait until it happens.
• larger sharks are normally only in warmer water
• Sharks are not monsters, they do not normally feed on humans.
• Do not bring pets, there erratic swimming patterns attract sharks.