Shark sightings are a common occurrence during the summer months along the coast of the United States. While attacks are rare, they do happen, and experts warn that shark activity tends to increase in August as the animals migrate and feed along the way.
Dr. Chris Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of a prominent shark research facility, has confirmed an increase in white shark activity this year. He expects to see even more sharks off the Southern California coast by August, September, or October.
National spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association, Wyatt Wernath, notes that while shark encounters are rare, they can still be a concern. "A couple little nibbles" have been reported this year, where people were bitten on the heels or toes.
To minimize the risk of a shark encounter, experts recommend being aware of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions. Before visiting a new beach, locate lifeguards and check for shark sightings, rip currents, jellyfish, and other hazards.
Familiarize yourself with the flag systems on the beach, which can signal certain conditions. Red flags typically indicate high hazard, yellow flags mean heed caution, and green flags mean low hazard. Purple or blue flags indicate the presence of marine life, while combination red and blue flags signal hazardous marine life.
Be cautious of suspicious animal activity in the water, such as fish, birds, and even seals, which could indicate the presence of a shark. If you see the water percolating on the top or birds diving into the water erratically, it's best to get out of the water.
Experts also recommend avoiding dead marine life, bait balls, and murky water, as these can attract sharks. When swimming or surfing, avoid presenting yourself as prey by wearing shiny jewelry or using shiny objects.
Swimming in groups can reduce the risk of a shark encounter, as there are more people to help in case of an emergency. If you're in a close encounter with a shark, confirm that it's actually a shark and not a dolphin or stingray, which can look similar.
Give the shark space and calmly exit the water. Don't splash or cause a commotion, which can attract the shark. If you're on a surfboard or boogie board, try to pull yourself up onto it and slowly back away from the shark.
Experts emphasize the importance of respecting sharks' habitat and behavior while avoiding actions that could make people appear to be prey. By being aware of our surroundings and taking necessary precautions, we can safely coexist with sharks.
The biggest misconception about sharks is that if they're nearby, they're going to bite you. However, research shows that this simply isn't true. While human and shark populations have grown, shark bites haven't increased as expected.
Sharks may occasionally bite a person, but we don't really know why. They may be mistaken for food or feel threatened. Nonetheless, experts agree that humans are not on any shark's menu.
