What would you do if you came face to face with a shark while out for a swim?
Ever since Jaws was released 50 years ago, it’s a fear that many of us have harboured. But thankfully sharks attacks are extremely rare.
And on the uncommon chance you encounter an apex predator like a Great White, tiger or bull shark, there are methods for dealing with the situation.
Andriana_Marine is a professional diver with a masters in marine conservation biology. With more than half a million followers on Instagram,she uses the platform to showcase her knowledge on sharks.
The information is very useful – including a recent post that highlights a common misconception about escaping a potential shark attack.
Many wrongly assume that you should swim away as fast as possible if you see a shark. However, this is not the case.
In fact, it is the exact opposite reaction that might just save your life. Instead of splashing around frantically like prey would, you should hold strong.
Captioning her real life demonstrative video, Andriana pointed out that no human can outswim a shark in the ocean.
She explained: “If you see a shark never splash and run away. This makes you look like injured prey. This will cause the shark to follow and chase you, hoping that you are an easy food source.”
Andriana then goes on to demonstrate, splashing to escape a tiger shark that is looming in the water behind her, growing closer.
She continued: “You never want not look injured or compromised around sharks. You want to make sure you look like a fellow predator.
“So instead of running away, turn and face the shark. Make eye contact and stand your ground.”
“If necessary, push down on the top of the shark’s head, following through to ensure they do not turn back.”
After doing this to the shark, it turns away, accepting Andriana pushing it away and looking completely uninterested.
Concluding her video, Andriana advises with perhaps the most important step. She added: “Exit the water as calmly and quickly as possible.”