Shark Encounters: Essential Safety Tips Every Ocean Swimmer Must Know

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You finally make it to that crystal clear water, white shimmering sand beach in paradise. But in the back of your mind, you might be thinking…are there sharks in the water?

When we visited Cape Cod, the frequent signs warning of shark activity quickly caught my daughter’s attention. But as the signs displayed, there are ways to avoid shark encounters while still enjoying your beach vacation.

To avoid shark attacks, be careful about where/when you are swimming, avoid wearing shinny jewelry or bright colored clothing, and follow all guidelines/warnings. If a shark attacks does occur, fight back and get out of the water if possible.

Knowing where sharks are active, signs that a shark might be near, how to avoid shark encounters, and what to do if a shark attacks does occur are all important for ensuring your safety as respecting the sharks and their environment. We’ve got you covered-we have compiled a list of what you need to know!

About Sharks

Sharks are a common fear when swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling/diving in the ocean. Shark encounters are much more common than people think, although shark attacks on humans are rare.

There are over 500 species of sharks found in oceans around the world, ranging from massive filter feeders like whale sharks to smaller reef-dwelling species. Most sharks live in coastal waters where humans swim, surf, and snorkel, but they also inhabit deep ocean environments.

Despite their reputation, sharks are not naturally aggressive toward humans, and shark encounters are rare. Most incidents are believed to be cases of mistaken identity, particularly in murky water or low-light conditions when a shark may confuse a human for prey.

Sharks rely on a combination of senses—including smell, vibration detection, and electroreception—to explore their environment, which means sudden movements or splashing can attract attention.

How to Avoid Shark Encounters

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

Avoiding any type of unsafe wildlife encounter is always the best way to go, before it escalates into an attack. When it comes to sharks, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the chances of a shark attack:

• Avoid murky water.
• Stay in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack an individual swimmer.
• Do not travel too far away from the shore.
• Avoid being in the water after dark or during twilight hours when sharks are most active.
• Do not enter the water with a bleeding wound. Sharks can smell blood.
• Don’t wear shiny jewelry in the water. When light reflects off the jewelry it resembles the scales of fish.
• Sharks can see contrast very well. Bright colored swim suits/clothing might attract sharks.
• Don’t swim in areas where people are fishing. This may attract sharks.
• Avoid swimming in areas where seals are around. This may also attract sharks.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present. Leave the water if a shark is seen. Always pay attention to any warnings for your destination.
• Know what beach flag colors mean. Each colored flag has a different meaning, with purple indicating that a shark is nearby. If you see this, do not enter the water.

How To Tell If a Shark Is Nearby

Shark encounters are much more common than people think (not attacks), but most of the time the shark goes undetected. Some attacks may occur as the shark stalks below the surface, so there may be no warning signs. But while it may not always be possible to know that a shark is nearby, there are some signs to look for:

• Look for unusual animal behavior (birds circling, fish fleeing)
• Seals/dolphins feeding erratically or fleeing in the area
• Dark shadows/fins
• Warning signs-signs or purple flags on the beach.
• Pay attention to other swimmers or marine life leaving the water quickly, this may indicate a shark is near.
• If you do see a shark nearby, look for signs that it might attack. This includes the characteristic swimming pattern called agonistic display when the shark shakes it head and swims erratically with a hunched back, with its pectoral fins pointing down, and with its snout pointing up.

What To Do When a Shark Attacks

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

• If there is a shark nearby, maintain eye contact and back away.
• Avoid sudden movements and try to stay as calm as possible. Sharks are attracted to splashing/movement.
• If a shark attacks you, fight back aggressively with fists or any objects nearby. Aim for the shark’s sensitive areas, including the eyes, gills, and snout.
• Focus on getting out of the water as soon as possible.
• If you are bitten, don’t pull away. Try to grab the shark/hold on to it to limit the shark’s movement and limit injury.
• If you are bitten and are able to get out of the water, you want to try and control the bleeding immediately. Apply pressure or a tourniquet and seek medical help.

Frequently Asked Questions

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****