ADVICE FOR SWIMMERS AND SNORKELERS
The following advice is offered to swimmers and snorkelers in Seychelles to prevent further attacks.
Don’t swim/snorkel alone. Remain in groups, as sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals.
Avoid swimming/snorkelling at dawn, dusk and at night. Sharks are most active at these times.
Remain close inshore. The risk of encountering a dangerous shark increases with distance from shore; one is also further away from help.
Stay out of the water if bleeding. Sharks can detect, and may be aroused by, very small quantities of blood.
Avoid areas with lots of fishing activity and unusual fish activity. These activities attract sharks. Diving/ feeding sea birds are a good indicator of this.
Avoid areas with steep drop offs and channels. These areas enable large sharks to access shallow water.
Avoid murky water, flooding river mouths and harbour entrances. These areas are often frequented by sharks.
Avoid areas where lots of human waste is discarded. Discarded fish and animal remains attract sharks.
Stay away from dead animals in the water or on the water’s edge. Their smell often attracts scavenging sharks.
Don’t wear shiny jewellery. A shark may mistake the reflection for a fish.
Avoid highly contrasting swimwear. Orange and yellow are regarded as the most risky colours.
Avoid heavy splashing. A commotion on the surface may attract or arouse a shark.
The presence of dolphins is a false sense of security. Sharks and dolphins feed on the same prey (fish) and large sharks occasionally feed on dolphins.
Don’t antagonise a shark. If a shark is sighted leave the water as quickly as possible but with the minimum commotion. Alert others without creating panic.
Seek local advice about shark activity. Locals, especially the fishermen, know their area best.
Courtesy
Geremy Cliff
KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
