Is it easy to ‘escape’ when swimming with a shark?

Although it may seem impossible to stay calm against a shark, it is not so if you know a little about this fish to have the right reflex.

Sharks are pictures that haunt the minds of many people swimming or rowing in the ocean. Sharks are often portrayed in movies as merciless blood hunters, but in fact it is also a very intelligent and curious creature. Taylor Cunningham, a marine biologist and shark conservationist, and a shark safety instructor, shares skills in dealing with the fear known as the shark. Study local sharks During certain times of the year, some sharks get closer to shore in the warm coastal waters. In Hawaii, for example, tiger sharks swim near shore in late summer and early fall to give birth. Therefore, it is very helpful to learn about local sharks in order to choose water activities wisely. Wear a mask and fins when swimming For professional swimmers, there is no need to wear a mask and fins every time you step into the sea. But if you swim long distances and are worried that you might encounter sharks, you should use this device. Cunningham said both of these devices help swimmers become more aware of their surroundings, the key to being safe in the ocean. Humans and sharks can still live peacefully. Leave the white and yellow bikinis at home It may be hard to believe, but the color of your clothes and equipment is important to sharks. “Sharks have monochrome vision, so colors like white, yellow or neon should be avoided when swimming or diving because these colors stand out in the blue ocean. Instead, choose darker colors, like black and blue. bar to minimize unwanted attention from the shark ” Cunningham explained. Don’t worry if you get cut or scratched – sharks don’t respond to human blood There is a long-held belief that sharks are a species with an excellent sense of smell that is sensitive to human blood. Cunningham said: “Sharks do not react to human blood or scents. Scientists have done studies in which they found that sharks have minimal or no response in the brain to humans. “ Act like a predator, constantly checking your surroundings By constantly spinning and looking around while underwater, you are communicating that you are a predator, not a prey. Being like a predator makes you less likely to get approached by a shark. Make eye contact if you see a shark When seeing a shark, many people’s instincts are to swim as fast as they can in the other direction, but this may be announcing that you are prey and should be chased. With the confidence of making eye contact with a shark, you are asserting yourself as a predator. However, it is necessary to have flexibility because there can be many sharks at the same time. So, after your initial eye contact, look for the other sharks around. Create the necessary distance from the shark If a shark is approaching, use your fins, GoPro or any solid object you have on you to create some distance between you and the animal. Then you are sending a quantity of water and some things towards them. They will probably pick up, collide and turn away … Slowly step back after making eye contact, but avoid splashing and making noise. The reason you prove yourself as an underwater predator is to tell the shark that you are not on their menu. Splashing, yelling, and rioting on the surface can make them think you are a sick or injured bird or fish – which are on a shark’s favorite menu. Understanding the shark will be less afraid when it comes to “collision” with the shark. Note the shark’s body language Sharks are not inherently aggressive, but they can win territory or compete, Cunningham explained. Sharks will use their body language before confrontation. If you notice a shark releasing pectoral fins (like when a cat arches its back) or opening its mouth (like when a dog growls) slowly step back, give it space, and get out of the water. Remember sharks swim and ignore humans Most people assume that if there are sharks in the water, they will feel them, but in fact, Cunningham says sharks swim and ignore everyone, just like any other fish. Over the years, drone footage has shown sharks within the reach of swimmers without their knowledge. Above all, don’t panic! The key to overcoming any encounter with a shark is acting like a predator. Sharks do not consider humans as prey. Usually, sharks completely ignore humans in the ocean. While it may seem impossible to stay calm when dealing with sharks, it is not. You just need to know a little bit about shark behavior and learn to react appropriately if you encounter it while swimming. “Falled coconuts kill more people than sharks, but in fact, no one is afraid of falling coconuts” – Cunningham’s hand analyzed. The ocean is the home of marine life, including sharks. Respect for the ocean, the common home of sharks and marine life “We need to understand that the ocean is home to a lot of wildlife, not just sharks. Ocean infiltration is human invading the house of marine species. Therefore, it is the responsibility of man to be aware of his or her impacts on the oceans and wildlife or the conditions that may affect them ”- shark conservationist Taylor Cunningham emphasized.