Jaws...

what not to wear...


Sharks see contrast particularly well, so any high contrast color apparel or gear used by a human in the water is especially visible to sharks. The bright yellow color traditionally used in water safety flotation devices and rafts is readily seen by human rescuers looking for missing persons in the sea and likely is seen easily by sharks as well. As a result, shark researchers laughingly refer to this color as "yum yum yellow!" Should one replace all these devices with more drab colored items? Of course there is a trade-off involved, but most would agree that the benefit of increasing one's chances of being rescued far outweigh the minimal risk of attracting a shark. By contrast (pardon the pun), divers and swimmers probably can reduce the chance of an interaction with a shark by avoiding bright swimwear or dive gear. I personally prefer to use dark blue or black fins, mask, tank, and wetsuit while diving and make a point of wearing my dive watch under the cuff of my wetsuit, thereby eliminating any chance of light reflection off the face of the watch attracting a shark or barracuda. Similarly, one always should avoid wearing jewelry because the glint of light reflecting off metal approximates the glint of light off the scales of fishes, the normal food items of most sharks.

Extra tips...
You can help to avoid shark encounters by doing the following (We do not guarantee that these work!):

* Do not surf in areas with lots of seals. If you find yourself in the middle of a bunch of seals, it would be wise to leave the area. Sharks prey on seals and might confuse you for one.

* Don’t surf with bleeding wounds.

* For women with their period, it’s OK to surf if you are wearing a fresh tampon. Use the highest absorbency you can find.

* This may be a myth, but try not to pee. (easier said than done, huh?) Urine is a sign of distress in some sea animals and it is thought that sharks may be attracted to urine.

* Don’t surf near fishing boats that are actively chumming.

* Don’t wear shiny jewelry.

* Avoid surfing at dawn or dusk if possible. This is the time when sharks are more active.

* I’ve seen websites say to avoid having an uneven tan because sharks see contrast well, but I think this is baloney. However if you want to be extra extra cautious, having an evenly tanned body will allow you to be fashionable as well as sharkproof. No zebra-print bathing suits, either. You also might want to rethink that neon yellow and black wetsuit.