If a shark circles you, the most crucial actions are to remain calm, avoid any sudden or erratic movements, and slowly and deliberately attempt to exit the water while keeping the shark in sight.
Immediate Actions When a Shark Circles You
An encounter with a circling shark can be alarming, but maintaining composure is key to a safe resolution. Your immediate reactions can significantly influence the outcome.
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Splashing
Panicking or thrashing around can mimic the distressed movements of prey, potentially inciting a shark's predatory instinct.
- Do not splash: Erratic splashing can draw more attention to you and signal distress.
- Control your breathing: Take deep, slow breaths to manage anxiety and conserve energy.
2. Maintain Eye Contact
Sharks are ambush predators, often preferring to attack from behind or below.
- Face the shark: Keep your eyes on the shark as it circles. This can signal to the shark that you are aware of its presence and are not an easy target.
- Pivot your body: If the shark changes direction, slowly pivot your body to keep it in your field of vision.
3. Move Slowly and Deliberately
Rather than attempting to outswim the shark, which is generally futile, focus on controlled movements.
- No sudden movements: Avoid any quick, jerky actions that might startle or provoke the shark.
- Orient yourself towards shore/safety: Slowly begin to move in the direction of a boat, the shore, or any other potential safe haven.
4. Protect Vulnerable Areas
If the shark approaches closely, or if contact seems imminent, protect yourself.
- Assume a defensive posture: If possible, try to make yourself appear larger by spreading your arms and legs.
- Protect your neck and torso: If a shark bumps or bites, try to use any available object (e.g., a surfboard, snorkel, camera) to create a barrier between you and the shark. If you have nothing, use your fists or feet. Aim for sensitive areas like the eyes, gills, or snout.
Exiting the Water Safely
Once you have established control and assessed the situation, your priority should be to slowly and methodically leave the water.
- Back Away Gradually: Rather than swimming frantically, slowly back away from the shark, keeping it in sight, until you can no longer see it or you reach a safe exit point.
- Do Not Turn Your Back: Continue to face the shark as you retreat. This maintains eye contact and allows you to monitor its behavior.
- Utilize Any Cover: If there's a reef, a boat, or another large object nearby, slowly move towards it to provide a sense of security or a barrier.
After Exiting the Water
Once you are safely out of the water, there are important steps to take to ensure the safety of others and to report the incident.
1. Alert Other People
It's crucial to warn anyone else in the vicinity about the shark.
- Shout warnings: Clearly and calmly alert anyone else in the water to the presence of the shark.
- Ensure everyone exits: Help guide others out of the water safely.
2. Inform Lifeguards or Authorities
Reporting the sighting is essential for public safety and data collection.
- Report to lifeguards: If lifeguards are present, immediately inform them of the shark sighting, providing details such as the shark's size, type (if known), and last known location.
- Contact local authorities: If no lifeguards are present, contact local marine patrol, coast guard, or emergency services to report the shark sighting.
3. Monitor for Injuries
Even if there was no direct contact, check yourself for any abrasions or minor injuries that might have occurred during your retreat. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Do's and Don'ts During a Shark Encounter
Understanding these simple guidelines can significantly improve your safety.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Stay calm and control your breathing. | Panic or splash frantically. |
| Maintain eye contact with the shark. | Turn your back on the shark. |
| Move slowly and deliberately towards safety. | Make erratic movements or try to outswim the shark. |
| Protect yourself if contact is unavoidable. | Provoke or harass the shark. |
| Alert others and inform authorities after exiting. | Ignore the sighting or re-enter the water. |
Understanding Shark Behavior
Most sharks are curious rather than aggressive. Circling behavior is often an investigation of an unfamiliar object in their territory. While rare, understanding and respecting marine life is paramount for a safe experience. For more information on shark safety and behavior, you can consult reputable sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).
