Swimming with the Sharks

Posted: Jan 31 in Dive Blog tagged Specialty Diving by Jan

When you first got your scuba certification in Illinois, what was the underwater creature you wanted to encounter most? Vibrantly-colored tropical fish, dolphins and octopi are all popular choices, but many others might say—with a note of trepidation in their voices—that sharks seem the most exciting.

Whether it’s a lingering fascination with the predatory power on display in Jaws or an admiration of the silent grace of their swishing, sword-like fins, many divers seem to be just as attracted to shark encounters as they are apprehensive of them. Despite their dangerous reputation, sharks pose little risk to scuba divers—it’s often said that you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark, and there are countless places worldwide to experience a safe and well-managed shark encounter.

Still, this doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind when you come face to face with these creatures. It’s important to know your limits and never dive beyond them, especially when swimming near such a strong and sharp-toothed wild animal. If you decide to try a shark encounter or come across a shark by chance, remember to:

• Keep your cool. It’s best to avoid a shark’s attention, and this will be hard to do if you’re flailing around like an injured water buffalo. Swim slowly and be sure you have a good handle on your buoyancy. Though shark diving is certainly an exhilarating experience, you should try to stay calm—sharks can sense electromagnetic energy, and while a fast-beating heart won’t cause an attack, it might make the sharks more restless.
• Keep your distance. If you ever feel the urge to run your hand over a shark’s smooth skin, don’t. Unless offered food (which is how a shark might interpret your outreached hand), sharks tend to stay far away from humans, and this is best for both of you. Admire them from afar, and if you happen to take part in a shark encounter that involves feeding, stay well away from the scent trail of the chum.
• Dress smart. That pink and yellow wetsuit may have you feeling right at home in the coral reef, but it sends a strong visual signal. While there’s no definitive proof that sharks are drawn to bright colors, it’s generally considered a good idea to wear dark colors. Try to avoid bringing shiny objects and keep all surfaces of your skin completely covered.

Keep in mind that there’s a lot more to shark diving than getting your scuba certification and remembering these three simple tips. If you head out on a planned shark encounter, pay close attention to all the instructions you’re given and be sure you’ve mastered the skills needed to stay safe.

Have you ever been shark diving? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!