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Just in time for the July 4 holiday, the New York Times has released an explainer piece on just how prevalent shark attacks are (not very), and where they mostly take place (where the food is).
But just as helpful as these tidbits of knowledge is a short synopsis of what you, a swimmer in the ocean, can do to NOT be attacked by a shark.
Here they are:
1. Don’t go swimming at dusk, night or dawn, when sharks are more likely to be active and feeding.
2. Avoid murky water, where sharks are more likely to mistake you for shark food.
3. Bleeding? Don’t go swimming in the ocean.
The experts say shark attacks are no more prevalent than they usually are this time of year, and point out that this summer conveniently coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of "Jaws," so there might be some media hysteria at play, ahem.
However, it's true that the seven shark attacks along the North Carolina coast are more than the state has recorded in a single year since 2000.
What should you do if you are bitten by a shark?
When you see it coming, try to exit the water slowly, facing the shark, says shark expert Andrew P. Nosal. If you can't escape, and it attacks you, fight back by grabbing the gills or striking the eyes.
For more about sharks, click here and here.
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