Surviving a Shark Attack: What You Need to Know

Screen Grab taken from Discovery Channel Website http://dsc.discovery.com/

In light of Discovery Channel’s (arguably) greatest week of the year, Shark Week, I’ve decided to create a mini guide on how to survive a shark attack. As many of you might already know, the waters surrounding South Africa are home to a variety of shark species throughout the year, including the Great White, Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, and more.

But before I introduce survival tactics to you, I want to make sure you understand the rarity of shark attacks in South Africa.

According to an article written by Michael Reilly on DiscoveryChannel.com:

“Your chances of being attacked by a shark are just one in 11.5 million, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File.”

“On average, there are about 65 shark attacks worldwide each year; a handful are fatal. You are more likely to be killed by a dog, snake or in a car collision with a deer. You’re also 30 times more likely to be killed by lightning and three times more likely to drown at the beach than die from a shark attack, according to ISAF.”

Image taken from Discovery Channel website http://dsc.discovery.com/sharks/shark-pictures/

Click image above to see Discovery Channel’s Shark Image Gallery

Now that you’re feeling a bit more relieved with the shark attack statistics, below is a mini guide on how to survive a shark attack (just in case you happen to be the one in 11.5 million who comes into aggressive contact with a shark):

How to Survive a Shark Attack . . .

When a shark pulls you under: A shark ranging in size from 8 feet to 18 feet can emit a great deal of power as it thrashes. In fact, many sharks between these sizes can pull a prey down into the depths at a whopping 15 – 30 mph. So what do you do if this happens to you?

Attack the shark’s most sensitive areas, which happen to be around its head. Try to punch the shark’s nose (which is highly sensitive) and / or forcefully plunge your fingers into the shark’s gills or eyes to disorient it. Once the shark releases you, get to the surface as fast as possible.

When you’re in shallow water: Before you even get into the water at a beach that doesn’t have a lifeguard, check your surroundings for any signage that warns against shark attacks. Sharks—even Great Whites can swim in waist-deep water—which is why you should always research beaches and any prohibited activities that might be associated with these beaches prior to entering the water. Also, if the beach is not very populated, this may be a sign that swimming is not a smart choice.

When someone else is bitten: If you are swimming and a shark attacks another swimmer in the water, bring the victim up on shore and out of the water. Place your hands on the main wound and put as much pressure as possible onto the wound. If there are other people around, ask one to either create a makeshift tourniquet using a shirt or apply pressure onto the wound as you create a tourniquet. The tourniquet is used to stop the bleeding completely to the wound so that blood continues to circulate throughout the rest of the body.

To make a tourniquet, use a shirt or other less-stretchy material and rip or cut the shirt so that you have create a 1 – 2 inch strip of fabric. Wrap the tourniquet roughly four inches away from the wound (not directly on top of it). Make sure that you place the tourniquet above the wound in the direction closest to the heart.

If the attack happened on the shin or lower leg, you might want to wrap the tourniquet above the knee. Never tie the bandage around a joint. Tie the knot as tight as possible.

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