Actually, the good news is that shark attacks in the United States have trended down in recent years, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF).The chance of being bitten by a shark is quite rare. In the United States, there were only 36 unprovoked shark bites on humans last year. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to avoid a shark attack, especially if you like to spend time in waters where sharks are common, such as Cape Cod.
Here are some steps you can take to make a shark attack less likely:
- Swim or wade in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
- Do not swim too far from shore. (If bitten, help will be too far away.)
- Avoid being in the water at nighttime or dusk, when sharks are most active.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound.
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry when swimming.
- Avoid water if you see seals, baitfish, or activity such as diving seabirds.
- Use extra caution when waters are murky.
- Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs, these are favorite places for sharks.
- Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
- Do not enter the water if sharks have been sighted.
- If surfing or diving, always be very aware of what is around you.
- Never harass a shark, it could make an attack more likely.
Fortunately, sharks much prefer to dine on fish, seals and seabirds rather than humans. So just be careful, follow the above guidelines, and enjoy your day at the beach!
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