Have you ever watched a nature documentary featuring a great white shark and felt a chill run down your spine? These magnificent creatures are certainly awe-inspiring, but they also have a fearsome reputation as some of the ocean’s most dangerous predators. For those of us who love the water, the idea of encountering a great white shark can be both exhilarating and terrifying.
While the odds of actually being attacked by a great white shark are relatively low, it’s important to know how to protect yourself in case you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this post, we’ll explore the key steps to take to survive a great white shark attack, drawing on the knowledge and experience of marine life experts who have studied these creatures up close.
Where to Find Great White Sharks
Great white sharks can be found in a wide range of locations around the world, but they tend to prefer certain areas over others. Here are some key facts to know about where great white sharks can be found:
A. Geographical Range
Great white sharks are found in many parts of the world, including:
- The East and west coasts of North America
- The coast of South America, including Brazil and Argentina
- The waters around South Africa, particularly near Cape Town
- The coasts of Australia, including Western Australia and South Australia
- The Mediterranean Sea, particularly around Malta
B. Preferred Habitats
Great white sharks tend to be found in areas where there is an abundant food source, such as:
- Seal colonies
- Large schools of fish
- Whaling stations (historically)
In addition, great white sharks prefer waters that are cooler, between 54°F and 75°F (12°C and 24°C), depending on the location.
C. Avoiding Areas With Great White Sharks
If you are looking to swim or surf in an area where great white sharks are known to be present, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of encountering one:
- Check local reports or talk to locals to find out whether there have been any recent shark sightings or attacks in the area.
- Avoid swimming or surfing during dawn and dusk, as these are times when sharks are most active.
- Stay away from areas where there are lots of seals, as this may indicate that great white sharks are in the area.
- Don’t swim or surf alone, as sharks are more likely to attack individuals.
By being aware of the areas where great white sharks are commonly found and taking appropriate precautions, you can reduce your risk of encountering one while enjoying the ocean.
Preventing Great White Shark Attacks
While great white shark attacks are rare, it’s still important to take steps to prevent them from happening. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:
A. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
One of the best ways to prevent a great white shark attack is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means paying attention to:
- Other people in the water
- Any unusual behavior from fish or other marine life
- Changes in water temperature or clarity
- Any sudden drops in depth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to move to a different location or get out of the water altogether.
B. Avoid Wearing Bright Colors
Great white sharks are attracted to high-contrast colors, such as bright red or yellow. This means that wearing a wetsuit or swimsuit in these colors could increase your risk of being attacked. Instead, opt for more muted colors that blend in with the surrounding environment.
C. Stay Away from Areas With Dead Animals
Great white sharks are known to feed on dead animals, so if you see a dead fish or seal in the water, it’s best to stay away from that area. Similarly, if you notice a lot of birds or other animals in a certain area, this may indicate that there are dead animals nearby and it’s best to avoid that area.
D. Avoid Splashing Or Thrashing In The Water
Great white sharks are attracted to sudden movements and thrashing in the water, as they can mimic the movements of injured prey. To avoid attracting a shark’s attention, try to move calmly and smoothly through the water.
E. Use Shark Repellents
There are a variety of shark-repellent devices on the market, including electromagnetic shark deterrents and chemical repellents. While these devices are not 100% effective, they can help reduce your risk of a shark attack.
By following these strategies and being aware of your surroundings, you can greatly reduce your risk of encountering a great white shark in the water. However, it’s important to remember that there is no foolproof way to prevent a shark attack, so it’s always best to exercise caution when swimming or surfing in the ocean.
Surviving a Great White Shark Attack
Stay Calm
If you find yourself in the middle of a great white shark attack, it’s important to stay calm. Remember that the shark is not actively seeking to attack humans, but may be mistaking you for its natural prey. Panicking and thrashing about will only make the situation worse and increase your chances of sustaining serious injuries.
Protect Your Vital Areas
If the shark has already bitten you, your first priority should be to protect your vital organs and arteries. Cover your neck, chest, and abdomen with your arms or a piece of equipment like a surfboard or paddle. This can help prevent the shark from inflicting fatal wounds.
Fight Back
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to fight back against a great white shark and survive. Aim for the shark’s sensitive areas, such as its eyes, gills, or snout. You can use any nearby objects as weapons, such as a camera, fins, or a spearfishing gun. Be persistent and keep fighting until the shark lets go and swims away.
Get Help Quickly
Even if you are able to fight off the shark, you will likely have sustained serious injuries that require medical attention. Get out of the water as quickly as possible and call for help. If there are other people nearby, signal for them to call for emergency services. The quicker you receive medical attention, the greater your chances of survival and recovery.
Follow Up With Medical Care
After a great white shark attack, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, there may be underlying damage that requires treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. With proper medical care, most people are able to recover from a great white shark attack.
While it’s natural to feel frightened by the prospect of a great white shark attack, it’s important to remember that these incidents are relatively rare.
By taking precautions to avoid shark hotspots and following best practices for shark encounters, you can reduce your risk and enjoy a safe and exciting experience in the water. In the unlikely event of an attack, remaining calm and following these survival tips can help increase your chances of making it out alive.
After the Attack
Seek Emotional Support
Surviving a great white shark attack can be a traumatic experience, and it’s important to seek emotional support as well as medical care. Reach out to loved ones, a therapist, or a support group to help you process your feelings and work through any trauma you may be experiencing.
Report The Incident
Reporting a great white shark attack can help scientists and researchers understand more about these animals and their behavior. Contact local authorities or marine biologists to report the incident and provide any details you can remember about the attack.
Learn From The Experience
While a great white shark attack can be a frightening and painful experience, it can also be an opportunity to learn more about these creatures and how to prevent future attacks. Reflect on what you could have done differently, and use the experience to become a more informed and responsible ocean user.
Return To The Water With Caution
After a great white shark attack, it’s natural to feel nervous or afraid of returning to the water. Take the time you need to heal and recover, and when you feel ready to get back in the ocean, do so with caution. Continue to follow best practices for shark encounters and avoid shark hotspots whenever possible.
Spread Awareness
Finally, consider using your experience to raise awareness about shark conservation and responsible ocean use. Many people hold misconceptions about sharks and their behavior, and by sharing your story and advocating for safe and respectful interactions with these animals, you can help protect both humans and sharks alike.
What are the chances of surviving a great white shark?
Surviving a great white shark attack is rare but not impossible. The actual chances of survival depend on the severity of the attack and the level of medical care available. According to Forbes, the percentage of survival from unprovoked great white shark attacks are 75%. [1]
Did you know that some species of sharks have evolved to live in one of the most extreme environments on Earth: active volcanoes? just take a look at that article: How Do Sharks Survive in the Extreme Conditions of Volcanic Environments?
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, surviving a great white shark attack is a rare and terrifying experience, but it is possible with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding where to find great white sharks, taking steps to prevent attacks, and knowing how to survive an attack if it does occur, you can minimize your risk and enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience in the ocean. Remember to seek medical and emotional support if you do experience an attack, and use the knowledge to become a more informed and responsible ocean user.