Avoiding shark encounters, If you have ever seen a movie about diving or any water-based activity, the biggest threat will always be the ,impending visit of a deadly shark. Movies have painted this idea that no matter where you are, even if you’re in a puddle, a shark is lurking and watching your every move. Realistically this isn’t the case. Lightning is more likely to kill you than a shark, and only two individuals perished from shark attacks last year. In comparison, vending machines killed more people last year.
Though unlikely, shark attacks can happen. Because of this, knowing how to handle a shark attack and avoid one is crucial. Divers and aquatic workers swear by wearing the right colors to avert shark attacks, but what are they?
The nature of sharks
Can sharks truly see the colors?
In recent years, scientists have actually come to the conclusion that sharks are colorblind. Like most fish, they don’t often see any color, and so they have evolved past the point of needing to see color. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can wear any color you want and still go unnoticed, as sharks are still very curious creatures.
If sharks are colorblind, why does the color of bathing suits attract them?
Sharks can see contrast despite color blindness. Therefore, avoid wearing bright colors that contrast with the water’s dark blue. Because sharks are curious, not because they like these hues. This implies they will investigate anything unusual in the water. Sharks can only investigate with their teeth because they lack hands and fingers.
Safety colors
Unfortunately, sharks can detect our caution colors. Bright yellows and oranges attract sharks in murky ocean. However, shark attacks are rare compared to getting lost at sea or dying, thus inexperienced dives should prioritize rescuer sightings over shark avoidance.
What color bathing suit to avoid sharks?
Sharks can detect contrast colors by maximizing the contrast with their environment. I suggest swimmers wear light-colored clothing and clothes without contrasting colors to not look like a bait fish. Avoid wearing yellow, white, or even bathing suits with contrasting colors, like black and white.
What else attracts sharks?
When trying to work out what else attracts sharks, you should generally keep one rule in mind. If it contrasts the water you’re in, it’ll probably attract a shark.
Patterns
Avoiding shark encounters, Patterns are something that can be very alluring to sharks. Patterns create a stark contrast in comparison to the generally bland ocean background and can really grab the attention of sharks. Again this creates an issue of sorts as patterns are often used on scuba suits so that any lost person can be noticed in the water. However, scientists also suggest that seeing patterns on suits may also mean that sharks will avoid you, confirming that you aren’t a viable snack.
Reflection
Avoiding shark encounters, As well as color, sharks are very sensitive to any reflections in the water. This can be a problem, as often, many buoyancy control system components have reflective elements due to the materials they are made of. They are necessary to your diving experience and so when you are purchasing your buoyancy control systems, be sure to pick a matte option or just one that doesn’t reflect in the water.
Though it may seem small, accessories such as jewelry or watches can also create reflections that draw the attention of sharks. If possible, make sure that you take any jewelry off before diving. If you use a compression watch, be sure to tuck it under your scuba suit and only look at it when you need to check your stats, which will prevent any light from catching it and drawing in an unwanted visit.
A lot of people also forget that the plastic/glass in goggles also reflects light. If you aren’t going too deep, it may be worth not using goggles at all for your own safety. This may seem impossible for people who don’t know how to open their eyes in saltwater, but opening your eyes in saltwater is actually a very valuable skill to have and will be helpful when trying to avoid sharks.
Movement
Avoiding shark encounters, Silvers and whites should be avoided. They mimic sea lions and other shark-favorite meals and contrast the water. Don’t act like a sea lion to avoid being devoured.
Keep your water movements slow and deliberate. Flailing around like a fish can warn surrounding sharks to your position. Fish and other aquatic life sharks devour typically move erratically owing to lack of cognition. Sharks sensitive to water movement love this. Sharks don’t think about what they’re eating; they notice movement that mimics their prey and act rapidly to escape. This implies they won’t double-check if they see a human, which could hurt them.
How to avoid Sharks
One of the most innovative things you can do when trying to avoid sharks is avoiding large groups of fish. A predator is usually near a large food source. For safety, look away from huge groups of fish or birds and admire them from afar. Sharks prefer low visibility, therefore sticking out in a large bunch of fish is never a smart idea.
Is it safe to dive with sharks?
With all these warnings and measures, you may wonder if shark diving is safe. In my experience, diving with sharks is safe, but you should always divers with a pro. For safety, most sharks don’t feed until they need to and won’t venture near humans. You’ll be OK if you take measures and respect the water by not acting goofy or making a noise.
If you’re scared, dive with a shark shield. Shark shields interrupt the water’s electromagnetic field, distressing sharks, so they leave.
