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Shark Week warnings as experts reveal 6 ways to reduce your risk of a shark bite
Experts advise swimmers to take simple precautions during Shark Week, when public attention often turns to shark encounters. Shark bites remain rare, but activity can increase near coasts in August as sharks migrate and feed.
– Swim in groups rather than alone. – Avoid the water at dawn, dusk and at night. – Stay clear of fishing activity, bait fish and feeding birds. – Do not swim near seals or other marine mammals. – Avoid wearing shiny jewellery that may resemble fish scales. – Follow lifeguard warnings and leave the water if sharks are reported nearby.
In short
- Shark bites are rare, but sensible precautions can reduce risk.
- Activity may increase as sharks migrate and feed in August.
- Follow lifeguard advice and avoid areas with feeding wildlife.
Explained simply
Sharks are wild animals that move through coastal waters to find food, and some species migrate along shorelines at certain times of year. Their presence near popular beaches can bring people and sharks into the same area, though bites on swimmers are rare.
Beach safety advice focuses on reducing the chance of an encounter and making it easier to respond to a warning. Lifeguards monitor local conditions, while swimmers can help by staying together, keeping away from fishing and marine wildlife, and following instructions to leave the water.