- Always stay in groups since sharks are
more likely to attack a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore;
this isolates an individual and places one
far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during
darkness or twilight hours when sharks
are most active and have a competitive
sensory advantage.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from
an open wound or if menstruating;
a shark's olfactory ability is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged
because the reflected light resembles the
sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known effluents or
sewage and those used by sport or
commercial fishermen, especially if there
are signs of bait fishes or feeding
activity. Diving seabirds are good
indicators of such action.
- Sightings of porpoises do not indicate
the absence of sharks;
both often eat the same food items.
- Use extra caution when waters are
murky and avoid uneven tanning and
bright-colored clothing; sharks see
contrast particularly well.
- Refrain from excess splashing and do
not allow pets in the water because of
their erratic movements.
- Exercise caution when occupying the
area between sandbars or near steep
dropoffs; these are favorite hangouts for
sharks.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are
known to be present, and evacuate the
water if sharks are seen while there.
And do not harass a shark if you see one.
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| Sharks |
Florida leads the nation in shark attacks.
However, most attacks are on surfers.
Of the 167 people bitten by sharks during
the 1990s in Florida, 113 were surfers.
However, most attacks are on surfers.
Of the 167 people bitten by sharks during
the 1990s in Florida, 113 were surfers.
| So please enjoy the beach. And if you enter the water, here are some ways to reduce the risk of shark attack. |
Fort Myers, Fl. News -Press staff writer Christina Cepero May 8, 2007 page A2
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| Yellow: medium hazard Red: high hazard Double Red: water closed --------------------- Purple: marine pests Red or Double Red: shark |
| Beach Safety Flags: |
SM