How to survive a shark attack?

How to Survive a Shark Attack
by Brett & Kate McKay on May 4, 2010



Remember the movie 'JAWS'? It was an adaptation of Peter Benchley's novel and the movie is directed by Steven Spielberg.

I could remember every single detail of the movie very clearly and the fear is settled in my memories. I hate looking at the Great White Shark. It creep me out but nevertheless, it was a great movie.
I always wonder what I should do, if I were to ever get trapped in that situation.

In 2000, the year with the most recorded shark attacks, there were 79 shark attacks reported worldwide, 16 of them fatal.

In 2005 and 2006 this number decreased to 61 and 62 respectively, while the number of fatalities dropped to only four per year.

To put things in perspective, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning and dying than you do of getting attacked by a shark.

According to the International Shark Attack File, the majority of shark attacks in the world occur in the United States (53 in 2000, 40 in 2005 and 39 in 2006). Although this was proven, Singapore is still vulnerable. Who knows the next shark attack could occur at Sentosa?

Before you survive a shark attack, you first need to know that not all sharks are dangerous. Don’t go haywire when you see a fin emerging out of the water when you swim in the sea. REMEMBER!! Only a few sharks are dangerous to men.
Out of more than 360 shark species, only four have been involved in a significant number of fatal unprovoked attacks on humans: the great white shark, tiger shark, bull shark and the oceanic whitetip shark.

The sharks have its unique way of attacking. Don’t go screaming that you had been attack if those poor sharks happen to be swimming past you. This is how you’ll know if you had been attacked.

There are two types shark attacks: provoked and unprovoked.

Provoked attacks occur when the human touches the shark first. These usually happen when some knucklehead scuba diver tries to feed a shark or grab its tail on a dare. If you’re dumb enough to grab a shark by its tail, you deserve whatever you get. Sorry.

Unprovoked attacks happen when you’re just chilling on your surfboard or your buoy and a shark swims up, bites your leg, and pulls you down into the water Jaws-style.

Why do sharks attack humans? It’s probably not for food. Humans don’t make a good meal for sharks because we don’t have the fat that sharks need to power their huge, scary bodies. It’s more likely the shark is just figuring out what you are. Unlike most animals that check things out by looking at the object or smelling it, sharks just bite the hell out of whatever they’re exploring. It’s messy, but it gets the job done.

In the area of unprovoked shark attacks, scientists have observed three different kinds: the hit and run, the bump and bite, and the sneak attack.

• Hit-and-run attack - usually non-fatal, the shark bites and then leaves
• Sneak attack - deep water attack, can be fatal
• Bite-and-bump attack - the shark bumps before biting


SO THE QUESTION IS, HOW TO SURVIVE A SHARK ATTACK?

The best way to survive a shark attack is to avoid one in the first place. Just follow these guidelines so your foot doesn’t end up in the stomach of the BEAST.

- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while you’re there.

- Stay in groups. Sharks are more likely to pick off lone individuals.

- Don’t wander too far from shore. If you’re in an area that’s a habitat for sharks, stay close to shore. Of course, if bull sharks are in the area, you’re screwed because those devils love shallow water.

- Avoid water during darkness or twilight hours. Sharks are most active at these times.

- Don’t enter the water if you’re bleeding. You’re basically telling sharks “Hey, over here! Eat me!” Sharks have a powerful sense of smell. Just one whiff of your blood, and they’ll be on you faster than you can say Mango Milk Tea with Rainbow Jelly.

- Don’t pee in the water. We’ve all done it. 1) We’re too lazy to get out of the water to go to the bathroom and 2) It kind feels good to pee while sitting in a body of water. But if you’re in an area where sharks are prevalent, better to hold your pee until you can make it ashore. Sharks might pick up on the scent of your fragrant urine and swim over to check things out.

- Avoid shiny jewellery and bright clothing. Sharks have a pretty good sense of sight. They can see contrasts especially well. Shiny jewellery and bright clothing provide a nice contrast to the dark water of the ocean, making you a very visible target. If Mr. T one day decides to go surfing, he’s a dead man.


We humans are known to be a fighter at whatever shitty situation we are in. Being attacked by sharks still gives us reason to fight it off. Either we’ll die a hero or we survive to see yourself armless or legless.


Here are some pointers i found that can help us out when we’re trying to fend the bastards off.

- Reduce the shark’s possible angles of attack. If you’re lucky enough to see the shark before it attacks you, increase your chances of survival by backing up against a reef or rock pile. That way you only have to fend off attacks in front of you instead of having to fend off attacks from 360 degrees.

- Hit him where it hurts. Your best chance of fending off a shark attack is pummeling a shark in its most sensitive areas. Aim for the eyes and gills. The nose is also a sensitive spot on a shark, but not as sensitive as the eyes and the gills. Also, you risk injuring your hand when you aim for the nose because you might miss it and glance your hand off the shark’s razor sharp teeth.

- Use a weapon. Use anything at your disposal for a weapon- goggles, camera, rocks, sticks, etc. If you don’t have any weapons, just use your hands… like a man.

- Never give-up, never surrender. Keep pummelling the shark’s eyes and gills until you either die or the shark goes away. If you create enough trouble for the shark, he’ll eventually give up and find something easier to eat.

- Get out of the water and get help immediately. Whew. The bastard is gone and you’re still alive. But you’re probably in bad shape. Really bad shape. You’re likely bleeding something horrible which only creates a scent to attract more sharks. Get out of the water as fast as you can. Once out, seek medical care ASAP.

YUP!!! I HAVE SAID IT ALL :)