While it's scary to think about, it's important to know what to do if you're attacked by a shark.
If you see a shark
- Remain calm
- Keep it in sight
- If possible, exit the water slowly
If you're attacked
- Defend yourself - playing dead doesn't work.
- Use whatever you have at your disposal (surfboard, dive gear, fishing equipment) to avoid using your bare hands to attack the shark
- If you must use your hands, concentrate on attacking the eyes, nose and gills
- Make sudden movements to scare the shark
After the attack
- If bitten, try to stop the bleeding before leaving the water by applying pressure
- Leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible
- Get immediate medical attention, no matter how small the injury
How to help a shark attack victim
- Even before you leave the water, begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets
- Remove the victim from the water as soon as possible
- Protect the victim from coldby wrapping him or her in a blanket to minimize heat loss
- Once out of the water, try not to move the victim unnecessarily
- Call for medical help
