Here Are Ten Safety Tips
To Reduce The Risk Of

Shark Attack

The State of Hawaii's Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources recommends:

1. Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don't move too far away from assistance.

2. Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night when some species of sharks move inshore to feed.

3. Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in very small concentrations.

4. Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, and other areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels or steep drop offs. These types of waters are are known to be frequented by sharks.

5. Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.

6. Refrain from excessive splashing; keep pets which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.

7. Do not enter the water if sharks are are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.

8. Be alert to the activity of fish or turtles. If they start to behave erratically, leave the water. A shark may be present.

9. Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance beyond you. Do not swim near people fishing or spear fishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.

10. Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards, and follow their advice.

JAWS, an extinct giant shark, at the Smithsonian Institution

_{"Jaws" at the
Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

(Taxon: Without prejudice, a Carcharocles megalodon
[also, controversially called Carcharodon megalodon
]).}

REPORT LARGE SHARKS

On O`ahu, if you see a large (i.e., over eight feet), aggressive shark, call 58-SHARK (that's 587-4275) Neighbor islands call toll free 1-800-468-4644 then dial SHARK (that's 74275) when instructed.

You can see the other sharks which are common inshore species to Hawai`i by clicking on this scalloped hammerhead shark - Sphyrna lewini.

Link here to return to the Sharks of Hawai`'i home page by clicking on this tooth of an extinct mako shark - Isurus hastalis.

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
Never Swim Alone
Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
If In Doubt, Just Stay Out!

Return to the Beach Hale (Home) Aloha Page. You can also use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour of O'ahu's North Shore, South Shore, East Shore, or West Shore.

You can also use the following pick list to "surf" to a particular shore or guarded beach, or learn about an important ocean safety topic:

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Webmaster: This page is maintained by J. B. Lee. You can reach me by e-mail at: jblee@aloha.com. Last modified: 08-Jul-2001 02:32 PM

Source URL: http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/shartips.html

ALOHA . . . malama i ke kai!

Sharks of Hawai`i . . .

Here Are Ten Safety Tips To Reduce The Risk Of

Shark Attack

REPORT LARGE SHARKS

HERE ARE SOME BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

Here Are Ten Safety Tips
To Reduce The Risk Of

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS: