Unprovoked shark attacks have risen around the world, and the East Coast is in the middle of this surge. Sharks, especially the aggressive Great Whites and Tiger sharks, have made the waters around North America their home, while the Florida beaches are getting the most attention. While shark sightings send a shiver down one’s spine, it is definitely an experience of a lifetime. It is one thing to know that a shark is in the vicinity, but the danger trebles when these mysterious creatures creep up on swimming enthusiasts.

Sharks are expert predators and are led by their own sense of instinct and curiosity. Often, when a shark encounters swimmers in the water, they do not know whether it is another predator or prey. Driven by curiosity, they approach the swimmer, which subsequently leads to a shark attack. Now, a professional marine life photographer and swimming enthusiast shares some crucial tips to keep these formidable beasts at bay.

Marine life photographer shares tips to prevent shark attack

Scott Fairchild is a celebrated marine life photographer who specializes in capturing sharks in their natural habitats. He has recently shared a video of a lone swimmer from San Diego in the crystal-clear ocean water, unaware of the danger lurking behind him. A great white shark was on his tail, swimming inches away from him. Fairchild captioned the video on Instagram, “Great White investigates an open water swimmer”.

While the viewers were apprehensive of the swimmer’s safety, Fairchild explained, “While this can be alarming to watch, it’s also a perfect microcosm of all that is true with respect to Great Whites”. He further elucidated that these apex predators are unlike others in the ocean and deserve our respect. He also highlighted the importance of caution, saying, “They are most certainly not puppies”. Scott Fairchild sought to alleviate speculations about these supposed hunters and denounced the man-hunter theory.

He used the video as proof that shark attacks are the by-product of the shark’s curiosity and not its natural hunting instinct. In the video, the great white shark approached the swimmer from behind, keeping its distance till it could ascertain the best course of action. Fairchild explained, “With unmatched hunting skills, it approaches from beneath and behind, showing that self-preservation comes first and that a surprise attack provides the greatest chance of success. Success being defined as first and foremost, their own safety, and secondly a kill. And last but not least, their obvious knowledge that we are not a part of their diet”. With that, he has already hinted at the next move to avoid a shark attack.

Key measures to save swimming enthusiasts

Swimmers or surfers who find themselves in the water with a shark can easily lose their nerves. Sharks can sense that fear and are drawn to it, thinking they are pursuing prey. Flipping the predator-prey dynamics in such situations will provide the best chance of survival.

Instead of thrashing about the water trying to get away, the swimmer must stand his ground. As it is, a human can never outswim a shark, so it is better to remain calm and let it come to you. The video is proof that if a swimming enthusiast keeps his cool, the shark might lose interest in them.

Read More: 60-Year-Old Man Almost Suffers From a Catastrophic Shark Attack Despite Swimming at Shore of South Carolina Beach

Scott Fairchild has blamed speciesism for the sharks’ bad reputation. As a result, they are now the victims of misunderstanding and fear. He says these are majestic creatures that are important for ocean health and deserve protection, especially from humankind. 

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