What to do when confronted by a shark

South African dive sites are renown for the diversity in sea life. It is also notorious for the annual Sardine run and the opportunity to see Great White sharks while diving. The variety of predator species that visit the warm water and dive sites along the east coast make for exciting dives.
When Confronted by a Shark
Putting it in a position where escape is via yourself is very unwise.
TIP
Ensure that the shark has an escape open to it. Putting it in a position where escape is via
yourself is very unwise.
Note: We do not condone cruelty to animals and don't advise every diver that participate in a shark experience dive to carry a 'billy' stick or prodding stick. It is best to listen to experienced dive masters and dive leaders that will accompany you on the dives. Be guided by their experience and adhere to their rules when signing up for these excursions.
When Confronted by a Shark
- Remain submerged if possible.
- Use slow, soft, purposeful movements as panicky and erratic movements will excite the shark. Avoid any sudden positional changes.
- Do not attempt to swim away. Stay calm – sharks can somehow sense fear. Keep facing the shark and try to get a reef or wreck at your back. This at least ensures a frontal attack.
- Try to fend off the shark with something in your hand, be it a rock, your camera, a piece of wreckage or your spear. A shark billy, something like a broomstick or a prodding stick is best, but use it only to fend off the animal and ensure a distance between you and the shark.
- Do not strike at the shark!
- Prodding it on the snout, eyes or gills is best.
- Try not to wound it – it may - will - become angry.
- Avoid using your bare hands if possible – the animal’s skin will tear your skin and the bleeding will compound problems by exciting it.
- Ensure that the shark has an escape open to it.
Putting it in a position where escape is via yourself is very unwise.
- Powerheads can be used if the situation is right. This requires expertise in their use as well as accuracy, and is only effective against a single shark. Using a powerhead in a school can easily precipitate a feeding frenzy.
TIP
Ensure that the shark has an escape open to it. Putting it in a position where escape is via
yourself is very unwise.
Note: We do not condone cruelty to animals and don't advise every diver that participate in a shark experience dive to carry a 'billy' stick or prodding stick. It is best to listen to experienced dive masters and dive leaders that will accompany you on the dives. Be guided by their experience and adhere to their rules when signing up for these excursions.
Posted in Dive Safety Tips
Tagged with Sharks, Shark diving, Shark conservation, Dive safe, KZN South Coast, KwaZulu Natal
Tagged with Sharks, Shark diving, Shark conservation, Dive safe, KZN South Coast, KwaZulu Natal
Categories
2023
January
March
Demo DiversCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueTerrific Freedive Mode“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Scuba Nudi ClothingDive into Freedive InstructionThe Benefits of Being BaldThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.Special Forces DiverToughing It Out Is DangerousWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2
2022
January
February
UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #1.UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #2UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #3UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #4DIVERS LOSING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CAREPreventing Breathing gas Contamination
March
When Should the Rescue Begin?Celebrating Young and Old in Turks and CaicosScuba Cylinder RundownChasing WeedsUnderwater Smartphone PhotographyAir and a SpareUnderwater Photographer: Fred BuyleBuilding Better BalanceLow-Visibility DivingMore Than a Sore ShoulderNot Only for DivingLaryngospasm and AnxietyPulmonary Hypertension and DivingTitan Meets TitanicPool Operation: Know Before you GoThe Argonaut Octopus and the jellyfishShort but Beautiful Lives
April
A Sense of PurposeMexico’s Sardine RunHigh-Pressure Hose injuriesA Hole in My HeartGoing UpConcussion and Return to DivingMarfan Syndrome Recommendations.South African Sardine Run by Walter BernardisSouth African Sardine Run By ProdiveSardine Run Port Elizabeth by ProDiveSardine Run Port St Johns by ProDiveScuba Diving In MauritiusScuba Diving in TanzaniaScuba Diving in the SeychellesScuba Diving in Nosy BeScuba Diving in MalawiScuba Diving in KenyaScuba Diving in South AfricaScuba Diving in Mozambique
May
June
July
Destination AntarticaUnconscious DiverA Little DetailDive Boat SafetyBlenny Watching 101Bonaire Inspires Hope for the Future of CoralThe Secret to Deep Freediving: Tips from 3 Female World Record HoldersEnsuring Safety in Freediving CompetitionsFour Tips For Staying Warm While Cold Water DivingAnd They Dived Happily Ever AfterFreediving Is About To Enter A New Era If Oxama Has Its SayGET BENT!The Joys and Challenges of the DeepUnderstanding The Secrets of Deep Freediving: Tips from Three National Record Holders