Could you actually survive a shark attack?

When you think of a day at the beach, you may be imagining sunny skies, a cocktail in your hand, and the calming sounds of waves crashing against the shore. But you may be risking a lot more than you know and heading straight into the jaws of the apex predator in the ocean!

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a shark attack, being prepared and acting quickly offers you the best chances for survival. Read on to find out more.

1. Keep your eyes on the shark. Sharks use multiple tactics when it comes to hunting. This can range from ambushing from below, circling then lunging, or sneaking up from behind. To be in a position to defend the attack, you have to know it’s exact position and keep an eye on it at all times, especially when planning your escape.
   
2. Don’t make sudden movements. In most cases, the shark will probably swim away without bothering you. As there is no possible way for you to outswim a shark, unless you are close to shore, your best option is to approach the situation calmly. Make sure that you avoid any sudden movements. When escaping towards your boat, or the shore, make smooth movements, and avoid splashing or thrashing about, as this can trigger the shark to attack. If you are between the shark and the open ocean, move away from its path allowing it ample space to swim away. Lastly, never turn your back on the shark.
   
3. Be in a defensive position. If you can’t exit the water, getting into a defensive position greatly increases your chances of survival. This means reducing the angles from which the shark can attack you. If you are near the shore, keep your feet on the ground and move towards a reef, a rock outcropping, or any solid obstruction that prevents the shark from circling you, further reducing the angle of attack for the shark. And if you find yourself in the open ocean when facing a shark attack, and have other swimmers nearby, get back-to-back so you can continually track and defend against attacks from all sides.