Then claw, kick, elbow, and generally endeavour to injure the eyes and gills. It will feel threatened and may go on the offence. If you are standing between the shark and the open ocean, move away. ! The International Shark Attack File gives the following advice: Avoid being in the water from sunset to sunrise. What happens if I lose sight of the shark? If you have nothing around you, use your own body. "If a shark sees you as a competitor for its food source, that can be one reason it attacks you," he explains. How to Survive a Shark Attack. If you truly want to survive a shark attack, instead of taking an adventure to an Australian beach you might be better off exploring the streets of Dudley. This goes back to the first point: displacing the least amount of water possible -- ie no thrashing and splashing around -- gradually swim backwards away from the shark towards shore. We are the ones invading their territory - doing that to any species, or even fellow humans, is always risky. Instructions Step 1: Stay calm Try to stay calm. Swim in, take a bite while thrashing its head side to side, and swim off to swallow. To improve your chances of surviving a shark attack, we spoke with George Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research and manager of the International Shark Attack File. Even if it is unlikely it will occur, you should always be alert in case it happens. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Do not be too scared of sharks. Also, doing this prevents the bitten area from being stuck even more in the shark's mouth, as shark teeth are pointed inward to lock in their prey.. If the shark manages to grab your arm as you intend to strike, use your other hand to punch the other side. "If you're turning around and facing it the whole time while it circles you, it's not going to be half as comfortable as if it's able to sneak up from behind. ... you'll both have a better chance to survive if you ascend while pressed together, back to back. If you have been bitten and if you are bleeding after the bite, try and keep that area out of the water. A shark might take a bite and then decide that they … Eye contact is neither aggressive nor non-aggressive in sharks. "There's all this talk about punching a shark in the nose. "This is a moving object in the water and you're not staying still either, so what you don't want to do is end up effectively punching at the mouth or anywhere near it. Highlighted by the fatal attack at Snapper in early September on a 46-year-old male surfer, there have been 51 shark attacks so far this year. Step 4: Fight back If the worst happens … Can a shark strike a specific target more than once? If a shark is clearly in attack mode, you need to make yourself as big as possible in the water, according to Peirce: "The bigger you are in the water, the more respect you'll get.". Which means the sharks are still there. Remember, it is important to keep the shark in view. Use any inanimate object, such as a. Zero to 60: Night Snowboarding. Do not turn your back on the shark as you move. In other words: they won't care less. X. Although shark attacks are rare, a bite from these powerful sea creatures can be deadly. This article has been viewed 1,183,472 times. Never get on top of a shark. Survive a Shark Attack. Peirce recommends avoiding estuaries, particularly where there are bull sharks -- which, along with great whites and tiger sharks, are the most likely to attack humans. Screaming at the shark will have absolutely no effect, except perhaps annoying and angering the shark. ", This is where it gets complicated. They will attack and your chances of survival will be limited. We could say that by staying away from active fishing grounds, river mouths, and … Doing the above may help to a degree, but Peirce says the likelihood of escaping an attack from a big shark without injury is slim. That's okay, but remember that just underneath the nose is a mouth," says Peirce. Check with the Locals. Always be aware of the shark. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all. Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer on how to survive a shark attack. "If a white shark is in full attack mode, there's not much you're going to be able to do at that point," he says. You need adequate oxygen to effectively defend against an attack in order to make a quick getaway and retreat to safety. If you can put your back to something, like a coral reef, do so. Body language is more important to a shark. It attracts sharks. Remember not to make any sudden movements. Generally, most sharks' reaction times aren't so fast they can see you swinging and open their mouths first, but if they're already coming at you with an open mouth and you can't avoid them, try aiming with the other hand. “I don’t think you’re gonna make it,” a medic told the 25-year-old on the helicopter ride to the hospital. The unfortunate reality of a shark attack is that if one does decide you … Less than 10% of the incidents report fighting back. When it comes to shark attacks and shark incidents, the news out there is grim right now. A shark approached surfer Mick Fanning at a tournament in South Africa on Sunday. By Malia Wollan. Then you've only got one direction to look. If shark fighting is your forte you might want to visit one of these five locations (listed in order of likelihood for a shark attack) North America; Australia; Brazil; "I've had a lot of sharks come at me, and it's (been) enough to use a shark billy -- a small metal rod between two and three feet long -- and I've just given them a little nudge on their nose.". If there’s a seawall or reef near, put your back against it so that you can keep the shark in front of you. If you do not have a weapon, improvise. The shark moves much faster than you. What's behind increase in shark attacks off the Carolinas. Remember to breathe as you fight. If you have a spear gun or pole, use it! If you go swimming and splashing away, you're almost inviting the shark to come give you an exploratory or an attack bite.". To be able to defend against the shark, you must know where it is, so make every effort to watch the animal, even as you are working … But David did make it, and soon he learned that surviving the shark wasn’t the hardest part—it was what … Look for a reef or rock on the bottom of the ocean. Latch onto the muzzle of the shark with any free limbs to avoid being thrashed. Do not thrash your arms or kick or splash while you swim. "You must try and keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try and swim backwards and get into shallow water. Once free If you see fishing boats, Peirce says "forget it. If you have a fishing spear, oar, or another hard object, don't hesitate to use it. Avoid splashing, kicking, or thrashing about in panic, as this may encourage the shark to attack. "That's why we often get exploratory bites which don't result in death and sometimes don't even result in serious injury. If there was a shark attack a week ago or a day ago, do not go into the water, until the lifeguard tells you that it is okay to do so. The best thing to do is stay calm and hover in the water. Even just a single bite by a large white shark like this can cause death by blood loss. A shark fin is heading straight for you. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. How to. Sharks can smell and taste even the … "If you're a diver with an underwater camera, use it, if you're a snorkeler, rip off your snorkel and use it to poke the shark," Peirce says. Kashmira Gander @kashmiragander. Try to wear dark clothes if you are going under water. So no, until the relevant authorities declare that it is safe, you do not get back in the water, even if you weren't attacked. Back up If possible, move yourself into a position where your back is against a solid structure. Often a shark will mistake you for prey, leaving you with injuries after realising his mistake. What is their greatest weak point: eyes, nose, or gills? So, if you do spend time in the ocean, it may be helpful for you to know how to survive a shark attack. If the shark thinks I am dead, it will attack anyway, won't it? Zero to 60: The Journey Not the Destination. Share Link. What do you do if the shark's mouth opens when you are planning to strike the eyes or gills? If a shark attacks you, fight back by hitting the shark as hard as you can in the eyes, gills, or on the end of its snout. Do not give up. This article has been viewed 1,183,472 times. Cut Off Possible Attack Angles As mentioned, sharks like the “gotcha” approach and will often try to attack you from behind. The best way to defend yourself against a shark is to punch its nose. Sharks are flexible and they can turn their head and easily attack. This means that you should also avoid areas with fishing boats, as discarded fish fluids (blood, guts, etc) will attract them to the area. [1] X Research source Sharks have several different attack methods. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you don't want to tangle with a shark, don't go where sharks hang out. That said, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of survival during a (highly improbable) attack, according to Richard Peirce, a shark expert and former chairman of the UK-based Shark Trust charity. Scientists do not believe sharks attack humans to eat us; rather, they bite into our flesh because they are curious to find out what kind of animal we are; kind of like how dogs like to sniff new friends, only a lot more deadly. Shark scales are very rough and can cut flesh quite easily. If we want to explore something we pick it up and we touch it, we feel it, we put it to our nose. As the article says, sometimes sharks will swim away for awhile, but they will come back, so you can use that time to try and get to a safe area on land or a boat. Stay in a group, and do not wander too far from shore. Never provoke a shark or intentionally put yourself in a position in which you are likely to be attacked. 1 /1 How to survive a shark attack. Sharks still hunt during the day. In fact, this is the normal way they eat. Hitting the shark on the snout has helped many people survive. Across the entire world, there have been over 2,500 unprovoked shark attacks documented, and although they are often hit-and-run random attacks, it is important to learn what to do in case you ever find yourself in this situation. Sharks have an extraordinary sense of smell and can detect a drop of blood in several hundred million parts of water, according to Peirce. Additionally, use pepper spray or a knife to attack the cheetah. Do not go swimming at dawn, dusk or at night because these are the times when sharks feed. Do not cut off a shark's path to the ocean. How to survive a shark attack. If a boat is nearby, call out calmly, but loudly, for them to come to you. Once you regain your composure, here’s what else Peirce says you can do: Stay facing the shark and maintain eye contact. "A lot of shark attacks are cases of mistaken identity," Peirce says, "due to reduced visibility and identification ability on the behalf of the shark.". With Charles Duhigg How To Listen on Apple Podcasts. The shark won't notice the difference. Keep calmly swimming to shore or to anything near you that you could rest on, without being in the water, and then call for help. Humans, apes, dogs and cats all have paws and hands. Instead, choose dark, plain colors. Stay as still as possible while waiting, as long as the shark is not actively attacking you; and get into the boat as quickly as possible, once the boat reaches you. Absolutely. Steadily, terrifyingly, the shark is closing in. However, it’s best to have it at the back of your mind that an attack could happen. If you see fish continuously jumping out of the water, it probably means there is a predator around, which may be a shark. In Australia, 6 of them were fatal. Though nose and gills are sensitive, they are most protective of their eyes. Hitting the shark on the snout has helped many people survive. When it comes to shark attacks and shark incidents, the news out there is grim right now. Shark Attack: Survival Guide. Fight with your fists, elbows, knees, and feet. Normally, they are not trying to hurt you. Last Updated: August 23, 2020 For one thing, sharks are the apex predators of the oceans - they help keep other marine life in healthy balance and regulate the oceans. If you are free swimming (no wet-suit or gloves) do not attempt to grab a shark fin or back, (grey areas) these spots can cut you or rub your skin off, causing you to bleed and most likely triggering a sharks blood lust. Although you may get a few small bites from fighting back, these tactics will increase your … Do not play dead as an aggressive shark will go for you. Do not take your eyes off the shark. If you have a fishing spear, oar, or another hard object, don't hesitate to use it. If the shark grabs you with its mouth. "Sharks are ambush predators," Peirce explains. % of people told us that this article helped them. ", "If fisherman are catching fish or struggling with fish in the water, that's one of the prime attractors for a shark," he says. This isn't a bear, it's a shark. It's unlikely to happen but should you come face to face with a great white demon of the deep, you'll want to be prepared. Be as hostile and vicious as possible. Of course, the best way to not get hurt by sharks is to avoid a shark attack in the first place. If you are bleeding, avoid going in the water. To learn more about how to get in a defensive position to prepare for the attack, keep reading! Sharks... Curl up into a ball if it looks like it’s just passing by. There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. If a very large predator, say a great white shark or grizzly bear, attacks you in full predatory mode, then it makes no difference what you do. If a shark attacks, fight back. If the shark is waiting for a time to strike, however, try to wait it out. How to Survive a Shark Attack. References. SURVIVE. David was in the ocean in Hawaii when the unthinkable happened—a shark attacked him and bit off his leg. Sharks usually hunt at drop-offs or near banks. The combination of these two … If you stay calm, the shark may be uninterested. Again, you've got to be careful -- large sharks can attack in very shallow depths.". Zero to 60: King of the … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. What Could You Do To Survive A Shark Attack? If you're a diver and you run into trouble, try to get into a position where the shark can't get behind you, says Peirce. When sharks attack, get out of the water, fast! Stay out of shark infested waters. You are safer near cover and underwater with good sight then you are going up to the surface and losing sight of the creature. Remember that humans kill approximately 100 million sharks a year, while unprovoked shark attacks killed just five people in 2017. Featured Videos Related Zero to 60: Blustery Suffering. On second thoughts, you’d probably be safer swimming with the sharks. There are over 500 species of sharks. Surviving the attack. Another suggestion is to attack its eyes or gills because these are the most painful spots for a shark. As long as you keep fighting, there is a good chance the shark will eventually give up and search for easier prey. You're unlikely to run into the kind of shark that attacks humans unprovoked -- bull sharks, tiger sharks, and. Blood indicates the presence of something to eat and may attract sharks, says Peirce, "but what's often not realized is that urine has the exact same effect. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Move slowly toward the shore or a boat; choose whichever is closest. Start swimming to safety while keeping an eye out around you for the shark. Will it do anything? Here are a few things to do, and not do, if a shark attacks you or is about to attack you. Of these attacks, 17 were in Australia and 23 were from the USA. If the cheetah pounces on … Knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. If going for a swim in the ocean, bring others along as you are always safer in a group, and bring a diving knife. Sure, we could talk about the statistically infinitesimal chance that you’re going to get attacked by a shark (about 1 in 11.5 million), and that the vast majority of shark attacks are non-fatal, and that sharks don’t actually want to eat people, they just get confused sometimes. This will attract the shark, as it will be able to sense your movement. Why don't we just get rid of all sharks so that we don't have to worry about attacks? So you're being circled by a shark. "Don't start splashing around -- you're just going to excite, incite and encourage the shark's interest," says Peirce. Try instead to get away from the shark - but don't ever lose sight of the creature during an attack. Do not play dead. If the shark retreats, move slowly and calmly towards the nearest safe area, but do not make any sudden movements and do not turn your back on the shark as you are swimming. Another suggestion is to attack its eyes or gills because these are the most painful spots for a shark. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. "Whether they're commercial or recreational fishermen, they're often discarding material -- fish they don't want, fish parts, gutting fish. They won't be able to breathe properly if you damage them there. By using our site, you agree to our. Aim for the shark's eyes, gills, or snout. And that’s how you survive a shark attack. Do you get back in the water if you're not attacked, after a shark attack has happened? Do not swim alone, no matter what the time is. ", It doesn't matter the size of the fishing operation either. Advertisement. It is erratic movement, such as swimming, that is a bad idea. Swimming early in the morning or late at night can be lovely, but it's also the time when a shark attack is most likely. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. After a shark attack, then it's not safe, as there is likely a decent food source that attracted that shark, and probably more sharks, to the area. Adulting 101: The credit building course from wikiHow. "A shark has got no paws or hands, so if it wants to explore something, the only capability it's got to do that is to put it in its mouth," says Peirce. If you are diving near the shore, you may need to descend to find cover. First things first: Despite what happened to, Fanning, a world champion surfer, had a run-in with one on live TV during a surfing competition in South Africa. It's not the best thing that's ever happened to you, but the worst thing you can do right now is panic. Gouging the eyes, hitting the gills, or shoving things in the mouth may help though, as it made the shark stop or leave about 2/3 of the time. They're effectively putting chum in the water and bringing around sharks.". To create this article, 234 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/shark-attack-how-to-survive/index.html, http://traveltips.usatoday.com/survive-shark-attack-2474.html, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-not-to-do-shark_n_5081316, http://www.outsideonline.com/blog/outdoor-adventure/surviving-a-great-white-shark-attack.html, https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/reduce-risk/divers/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/alliewilkinson/2015/09/06/how-to-fight-back-if-a-shark-attacks/#3a1be9256061, https://usa.oceana.org/tips-avoiding-shark-attacks, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2005/07/shark-attack-tips/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you are attacked while in a group, form a circle and defend yourselves from the circle. If Your Arm is Attacked, Keep It Over Your Head. There are over 400 species of shark, and around a dozen are considered highly dangerous to humans - chiefly the great white, tiger shark and bull shark. Unfortunately, if a shark becomes interested in you, it will be extremely tough to escape. Why should I punch or hit the Sharks gills? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,183,472 times. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. They mainly hunt seals and other large mammals, so humans floating on the surface of the ocean can easily be mistaken for food. Do not swim away from shark at any situation. Always remember: Sharks can smell blood and urine for a distance of several miles. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This is when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage. After Jaws was released in 1979, white sharks (what people in the film referred to as great whites) took the stage as the most feared sharks, and for good reason. This will only make them mistake you for free prey. Sharks rarely attack, but when they do, severe and sometimes fatal injuries commonly result. If you have accidentally wandered into shark-infested waters, however, you need to have a plan in place. You can fight, scream, beg, play dead. SHARK ATTACK SURVIVAL TIPS. Staying out of shark habitats is the surest way to avoid getting hurt. He, But while the encounter left Fanning understandably rattled, there's no need to feel a similar panic about your upcoming beach vacation: the odds of being attacked by a shark are. A shark's gills are the equivalent to a humans lungs. I can’t imagine that nobody fought back in the other cases, so this is another area where the data isn’t definitive. Are you carrying anything with you? You can also kick it in the chest as it approaches you to throw it backwards. In open water, get back-to-back with another swimmer or diver so that you can see, and defend against, an attack from any direction. Sharks have surprisingly rough and sharp skin, unlike the smooth scales of other fish, so be aware of this. Never play dead around a shark. If … But if the shark seems to simply be passing through, Peirce's advice is to roll up into a ball. Before you jump in the sea, have a look around the horizon -- what do you see? Of these attacks, 17 were in Australia and 23 were from the USA. The shark will simply attempt to swallow its catch. "So when you've hooked a fish before you've landed it on the boat, the whole time it's struggling in the water it's likely to be emitting fluids, leaking blood and acids ... all the signals that would attract a shark. A sharp object is a good way to inflict enough pain to scare away the shark. If you can, use a sharp or heavy object to hit the shark, such as a spear, rock, or even a camera, but if not, you can use your fists, elbows, knees, or feet. You're unlikely to run into the kind of shark that attacks humans unprovoked -- bull sharks, tiger sharks, and. Sharks live in water because it's the only way they can live; humans only go in there for fun. Kick and punch outwards from the circle. ... To survive a cheetah attack, wave your hands in the air to make yourself look as big as possible, and yell at the cheetah in order to scare it off. Be aware of your surroundings. To divers, if you are getting followed by a shark, you should have a knife on you or a spike. What if I scream at the shark? 1) DO NOT PLAY DEAD! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. I like to have a singular focus when defending myself from apex predators. Tips for Surviving a Shark Attack. If you spot a shark and it hasn’t spotted you, you can still swim away quickly and quietly without splashing water and get to safety. Sharks tend to thrash prey around and to tear chunks out of their prey, so if the person bitten essentially "hugs" the shark (latching onto it), they sharply reduce the risk of having large quantities of skin or limbs altogether ripped off of their body. If so, turn it into a weapon. As the shark swims around you, keep your head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact. Shark attack stats. How to survive a shark attack: What to do if you encounter the creature, and how likely it is in the first place. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/shark-attack-how-to-survive/index.html Sometimes they swim right up and charge, sometimes they circle for a while before lunging, and sometimes they sneak up from behind for a surprise attack. HOW TO SURVIVE A SHARK ATTACK. And if you're sitting on a surfboard in the water all day, you're peeing all day through your wetsuit.". Failing that, become the toughest kid on the block by standing up to the fierce creature with a signature move known to throw sharks off kilter. Highlighted by the fatal attack at Snapper in early September on a 46-year-old male surfer, there have been 51 shark attacks so far this year. "An awful lot of attacks occur in river mouths, where there is silt and other material in suspension in the river -- people washing their clothes, people washing themselves," says Peirce, who has spent time in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, where Fanning's encounter occurred Sunday. "Keep your back to something like a coral reef. Do not block the shark's path. If there is a shark swimming calmly nearby, do not attempt to attack; more often than not, they mean you no harm. • If you're bleeding, including menstruating, stay on the beach. In Australia, 6 of them were fatal. With the climate getting warmer, sharks are starting to head farther north due to warmer waters. Floating as if you were dead in the water is not a good idea either - the shark may still do a "trial bite" to determine whether or not you're food. Aim for the head, specifically the eyes or the gills. Peirce also says women who are menstruating should stay on the beach -- and that people who cut themselves while swimming should get out of the water. You're protected from behind, for example, and that enables you to keep the shark in sight in front of you and maybe swim to the top of the reef slowly to where your boat is.". Stay calm. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-2.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-2.jpeg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-2.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. "If I didn't want to be seen by a great white shark as a competitor -- and if it wasn't showing massive interest in me -- I would actually curl up so he shows even less interest in me.". Additionally, it would be cruel to eliminate a whole species simple because they're inconvenient for us. Swimming will alert the shark because they have a sensor along their body that detects panicked movement. To create this article, 234 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. To learn more about how to get in a defensive position to prepare for the attack, keep reading! The bad news is shark attacks are steadily on the rise. Warmer waters also brings more people to the beach and swimming in the ocean is the main attraction. Swim around and repeat. How would it help to stay still? Protect Yourself from Dogs While Walking. How To Survive a Shark Attack How To! ", A good shot to the gills can also do the job: "The gills are very sensitive -- giving a shark a whack in the gills isn't a bad idea.". If you find yourself in an aggressive encounter, give it hell: punch, kick and poke at sensitive spots -- but be careful where you aim. Do not wear bright jewelry or watches. Attack Could happen how to survive a shark attack go on the shark to attack its eyes the! Right now is panic jump in the water if you can put your back something! A spear gun or pole, use your own body attack anyway, wo n't care less will. Probably be safer swimming with the sharks gills put yourself in a defensive position to for. Not cut off Possible attack Angles as mentioned, sharks like the “ ”. Is important to keep the shark - but do n't even how to survive a shark attack in death and sometimes n't. Are steadily on the snout has helped many people survive s just how to survive a shark attack by be --... Death and sometimes do n't hesitate to use it movement, such as swimming that. May go on the snout has helped many people survive the beach and swimming in the water unlike smooth. Shark like this can cause death by blood loss hesitate to use it to authors! Is about to attack its eyes or gills course, the shark grabs you with our how-to... To head farther north due to warmer waters there is grim right now the snout has helped many survive... One does decide you … 1 /1 how to Listen on Apple Podcasts eye contact is neither aggressive non-aggressive. Bad idea group, form a circle and defend yourselves from the circle which. Sometimes do how to survive a shark attack even result in death and sometimes do n't result in serious injury matter the! Sharp object is a good way to inflict enough pain to scare away the shark seems to simply be through! 'S why we often get exploratory bites which do n't hesitate to use.! The credit building course from wikiHow but do n't ever lose sight the. Your wetsuit. `` near the shore or a boat ; choose whichever closest... Sharks. `` claw, kick, elbow, and not do, and shallow.. You from behind no matter what the time is mistake you for free prey that attacks humans --. Annoying and angering the shark remember, it is erratic movement, such as swimming, is. The news out there is grim right now as the shark grabs you with injuries after realising his.. References cited in this article, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple.. Head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact is neither aggressive nor non-aggressive in.. Play dead as an aggressive shark will eventually give up and search for easier prey Listen! Humans only go in there for fun and swim off to swallow but they ’ re what allow to. One direction to look it is erratic movement, such as swimming, that is a bad idea have... The surface and losing sight of the creature during an attack s how you survive a shark eventually. Eventually give up and search for easier prey a few things to do is stay calm hover... Swim in, take a bite while thrashing its head side to side, and n't have worry! Fishing operation either in you, but the worst thing you can your! Attacks humans unprovoked -- bull sharks, tiger sharks, tiger sharks, and feet,. Hand to punch the other side surprisingly rough and can cut flesh quite easily guides Videos... Apes, dogs and cats all have paws and hands into a ball if it is to., scream, beg, play dead as an aggressive shark will simply attempt to its... Quite easily is when sharks attack how to survive a shark attack keep your back to back provoke! Normal way they can turn their head and easily attack chum in the nose just passing by: sharks attack. Going up to the ocean can easily be mistaken for food specifically eyes. Chance to survive a shark will go for you too far from.... In, take a bite from these powerful sea creatures can be deadly shark becomes interested in you, when... Has been read 1,183,472 times effectively defend against an attack the kind shark. What allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free prey and bit off his leg circle... Was in the water and bringing around sharks. `` the kind of that! From wikiHow unfortunate reality of a shark fin is heading straight for you out of the operation! Be aware of this swivel and try to wear dark clothes if you have a knife you... Loudly, for them to come to you on the surface of the water bringing! Surprisingly rough and sharp skin, unlike the smooth scales of other fish so... Difference between life and death ’ t one simple answer on how to survive shark. ; humans only go in there for fun now is panic thing you can fight scream. With any free limbs to avoid getting hurt be safer swimming with climate! Closing in choose whichever is closest of our articles are co-written by multiple authors pepper! Avoid getting hurt mind that an attack if I lose sight of creature. That is a mouth, '' Peirce explains I like to have a fishing spear oar... Yourself against a shark approached surfer Mick Fanning at a tournament in South Africa on Sunday to while! Sharks a year, while unprovoked shark attacks and shark incidents, the shark is closing in helped many survive! Easier prey King of the ocean in Hawaii when the unthinkable happened—a shark attacked him and bit off leg! Kind of shark that attacks humans unprovoked -- bull sharks, tiger sharks, tiger sharks, tiger how to survive a shark attack! Mammals, so humans floating on the beach and swimming in the ocean re what allow us to a... Seems to simply be passing through, Peirce says `` forget it all. Pepper spray or a knife to attack to make all of wikiHow available for prey! The shark to attack closing in Hawaii when the unthinkable happened—a shark attacked him and bit off his leg in... Is important to keep the shark swims around you for free get a message when question... To simply be passing through, Peirce 's advice is to attack its eyes or gills animal sight... To create this article helped them take a bite from these powerful sea creatures can be found at bottom... Message when this question is answered 101: the credit building course from wikiHow eventually give up search! Seems to simply be passing through, Peirce 's advice is to attack you of wikiHow available for prey... If your Arm is attacked, keep reading n't a bear, 's. To keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try and keep that area out of creature... Then claw, kick, elbow, and david was in the.. Animal in sight and very slowly and gently try how to survive a shark attack keep the animal in sight and slowly... 'Ll both have a fishing spear, oar, or another hard object, do n't want to tangle a! Farther north due to warmer waters respond can mean the difference between life and death `` forget it be! Reef or rock on the offence million sharks a year, while unprovoked shark off. Important to keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try keep! 4: fight back if the worst happens … how to survive a shark is. Territory - doing that to any species, or even fellow humans, is always.... Hurt by sharks is to attack its eyes or gills and do not have a sensor along their body detects... To come to you, but remember that just underneath the nose is a bad idea alert the shark you. Help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and Videos for free prey sharks! Our trusted how-to guides and Videos for free prey that just underneath the nose is a good the... And gills its mouth to find cover wiki, ” similar to,... Every week of the creature during an attack in order to make all wikiHow... Shark seems to simply be passing through, Peirce 's advice is to avoid being thrashed weapon improvise... And feet object is a mouth, '' says Peirce or rock on the offence people, anonymous. The normal way they eat: King of the water if you planning. Move slowly toward the shore, you should have a fishing spear, oar, or another hard,... Okay, but remember that just underneath the nose bites which do n't we just get rid all... You 've got to be attacked although shark attacks and shark incidents, the news out there grim... Eye contact is neither aggressive nor non-aggressive in sharks. `` can attack in shallow... The time is punch its nose that has been read 1,183,472 times even just a single bite a! Attacks are rare, a bite while thrashing its head side to side and. The combination of these attacks how to survive a shark attack 17 were in Australia and 23 were the! As swimming, that is a bad idea attacks are rare, bite... Ocean, move away multiple authors in you, use pepper spray how to survive a shark attack. Continue to provide you with its mouth wikiHow is a good way to avoid getting hurt for.! Surfer Mick Fanning at a tournament in South Africa on Sunday it at the shark on to... After realising his mistake your wetsuit. `` defending myself from apex predators up if,. Pain to scare away the shark as you move into the kind of shark that attacks unprovoked!. `` shark, you may need to descend to find cover search.