An avid traveler, snorkeler, and beach-goer knows and hears about common shark infestations. While I was traveling in Australia, I was lucky enough to live through a nasty storm at a beach in New South Wales. But the shark that hit me was a young Gray Nurse Shark that left a small wound on my leg. A New South Wales local who helped me through a minor bite told me about his story of being attacked by a Shortfin mako shark, and barely surviving to tell what happened.
The place, known only as the Aussie Cliff, was on the nearest surface to the beach in the early morning. He and the surf were soon washed half a mile from the shore by strong waves. Although no one in Australia knows how to surf from dusk to dawn, Cliff stated that the waves were perfect and there were no tourists in sight. As he dove weakly under the wave, he suddenly felt, and saw a group hurrying past him to battle. Before he could even think, a larger creature headed towards him. It was ugly as he knew. He rowed quickly to shore, knowing that Shortfin mako sharks tend to hunt in darker waters where catching prey is easier.
Before reaching the surface, the shark’s teeth dug into the arm pulling out a significant amount of flesh. He began to kick the rock at the shark, propelling it away, allowing it to swim up to the surface. The shark swam swiftly farther out to sea. He wasn’t worried about the wound, because he was more worried about the blood, which could potentially attract other predators, even more sharks. Keeping his injured arm above the surface, he returned to shore where he could call for help.
When he arrived at the hospital, a shark after extracting pieces from his arm bit him. It was indeed a Shortfin mako shark. Because of the speed and attack of the shark, the thing could survive. In fact, Mako sharks are known to swim at speeds of 30 miles per hour and have sharp, needle-like teeth. Cliff was only able to walk with a critical arm injury, although it was much more serious than my base injury.
What many people do not understand is that it is very easy to avoid surk attacks, even though hundreds of shark attacks happen every year. Here are some tips to help anyone deal with these deadly creatures;
1) You should never swim between dusk and dawn. Many beaches prohibit access during these times out of safety and you should always use safety nets to protect your safety. When it’s dark, it reduces your visibility and makes you an easy target.
2) Never swim by yourself and always watch children in the water. There is safety in numbers, especially since sharks prefer to prey alone because they are the easiest targets.
3) Swim in open water where nothing can obscure your vision. Predators are more likely to hide near rocks, canals, and other obscured parts of the water.
4) Feel what cuts or wounds. Sharks have a great sense of smell that allows them to detect blood in the water. If you cut yourself, leave the water. It will take care of your health and the safety of those around you.
