It is Safe to Swim with Sharks However, several docile shark species, such as whale, basking, and nurse sharks, are suitable for newbies. Even when diving with more aggressive sharks like bull sharks and great white sharks, you will be entirely secure if you go with an experienced, knowledgeable dive team.
Is shark cage diving responsible? We view cage diving with sharks as not dissimilar to swimming near to dolphins and other marine animals. It must be carried out safely and responsibly, with no contact with the animals or deliberate attempts to affect their behaviour, in order to avoid causing harm.
There is plenty of evidence supporting the notion that shark cage diving is safe: Ever since Jacques Cousteau launched the first shark cage in 1956, no one has ever died from a shark attack while shark cage diving.
Most sharks are not dangerous to humans — people are not part of their natural diet. Despite their scary reputation, sharks rarely ever attack humans and would much rather feed on fish and marine mammals. Only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks have been involved in attacks on humans.
But Dr Domeier used posts on Instagram to criticise Ms Ramsey for touching the animal and posing for photos, saying it could be damaging for the shark, which might be pregnant, and also send the wrong message to other divers. "The number 1 rule of legitimate shark diving operators is DON'T TOUCH THE SHARKS!
The leopard shark is the first on our list of least dangerous shark species to be utterly harmless to humans. There has not been a single report of a human being bitten by a leopard shark. They live primarily in shallow waters, are rarely found more than twenty feet below the surface, and feed on crabs and small fish.
Avoid being in the water during low light hours (dawn or dusk) and at night when many sharks are most active and feeding.
Stay as still as possible while waiting, as long as the shark is not actively attacking you; and get into the boat as quickly as possible, once the boat reaches you. If you are near shore, swim quickly, but smoothly.
As scuba divers spend the majority of their time under the water, shark attacks on scuba divers are extremely unlikely. Sharks don't attack scuba divers, because they simply do not find us tasty enough – they would rather take a snack out of a blubbery seal than your human flesh!
Sharks have a highly developed sense of touch that allows them to detect pressure changes in the water. They have specialized receptors called ampullae of Lorenzini that detect electrical fields in the water. These receptors help sharks to detect the movement of their prey and other animals in the water.
Remain calm and avoid sudden movement when swimming with sharks. This catches their attention and may provoke them into thinking you are food. Breath steadily, maintain a proper depth and enjoy the encounter. You are a guest in the shark's home and swim calmly as if you are surrounded by small fish and coral.
Great whites are known man-eaters and to swim with one without a cage is very dangerous. With multiple fatalities recorded from great whites every year, even if they are mostly a case of mistaken identity, this is just not always the case.
Dangerous waters; Réunion's long history of attacks
Réunion Island has become so notorious for shark attacks, swimming and surfing is banned outside the coral lagoon. Eleven people have died in attacks since 2011. There have been more than 50 attacks recorded between 1988 to 2016.
Nurse sharks that live near marinas are fed by local fisherman and have grown accustomed to the presence of humans. This makes them much more friendly. Having your own day tour with Staniel Cay Adventures allows you to take advantage of every opportunity to swim with the nurse sharks.
Shark cage diving is designed to be a viewing experience. You get in the cage to go and see sharks underwater. Thick prison bars get in the way, so cages are designed with openings. The idea is that the hole - while often large - is not big enough for a shark to actually get in.
Slowly back away
Displace the least amount of water possible. Try not to thrash and splash around as you gradually swim backwards toward shore. “You must try and keep the animal in sight and very slowly and gently try and swim backwards and get into shallow water.
For those who still fear going in the water, Bangley suggests looking out for the following: Keeping an eye on birds/fish: If you see birds diving or fish jumping, that could be a indicator that a larger predator, perhaps a shark, could be attempting to prey upon a school of fish.
Alternatively, divers and swimmers can probably reduce the chance of an interaction with a shark by avoiding bright and highly contrasting swimwear or dive gear. We personally prefer to use dark blue or black fins, mask, tank, and wetsuit while diving.
Shark attacks are more likely to occur at dawn and dusk, precisely when they're more actively searching for food. Also, because visibility is limited during the twilight hours, sharks may mistake you for prey animals or enemies. That is why you must avoid surfing alone in shark-infested waters.
1. Great White Shark. Great white sharks are the most aggressive sharks in the world has recorded 333 attacks on humans, with 52 of them being fatal. The inclusion of this particular species probably comes as no surprise since movies, particularly Jaws, and television shows are quick to show their aggression.
The great white shark, also known as the "white pointer," is the largest and deadliest predatory shark in the ocean.
Human Encounters
Because of these characteristics, many experts consider bull sharks to be the most dangerous sharks in the world. Historically, they are joined by their more famous cousins, great whites and tiger sharks, as the three species most likely to attack humans.