5 steps to surviving a shark attack
Words: Vincent Lim
Sharks reside in exotic waters, and unfortunately for us, in our favourite luxury holiday locations. As part of #sharkweek, that inimitable phenomenon over in the States, we’ve brought you our tips for surviving a shark attack.
Prevention is key
No matter how good a swimmer you are, a shark will always beat you for grace and speed in the water, so you want to avoid them as far as possible. It sounds like common sense, but a huge number of shark attacks could be avoided if gents took the appropriate precautions.
Try to swim in shallow water, and stay in groups where possible. Choose to swim at night or where sharks have recently been spotted, and you’re asking for trouble.
Don’t panic. Find a weapon.
If you have anything on you, use it, be it a camera, a pair of goggles or a snorkel. Some recommend purchasing a shark billy, a long piece of wood with a sharpened end, for self defence, especially when diving. Don’t play dead, either. You’ll be handing the beast a free meal.
Back up against something. Reduce the angles.
If a shark is zigzagging towards you, it’s most likely deciding on its angle of attack. It may seem counter-productive, but if you think about it, you’re never going to out-swim the predator, so playing smart is key. Backing up against a wall, reef or other structure will prevent you from being blindsided.
Quick jabs to the eyes and gills.
Using whatever you have, including your fists, hit the shark at its most vulnerable points. If you go for the eyes, you’ve got your best chance of escaping by it away. The age-old advice of punching a shark on the nose has been disputed, as it may well land you with a bite
Don’t give up.
If the shark has you in its jaws, it’s almost certainly not going to let go unless you make it. A gentleman shouldn’t acquiesce, especially when his life is on the line.
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