Shark Question

[CapnRandy]

I have a question. I was wondering what are the ACTUAL dangers regarding sharks if I were on a boat well offshore and wanted to take a swim? I have never done it because I figured the odds were that if there were one hungry shark in the ocean, he would be right under my boat. Comments!

 

[leo311]

snowball ring any bells?

 

[H2ODog]

Welcome aboard!

Shark attacks are relatively rare although they do happen. Going for a swim most likely won't entice a shark unless you look like an injured seal. I don't know where you're located so that will play a factor, some locations have significantly more sharks than others and the risk will increase as the number of sharks increase.

Personally I don't worry about sharks. I tend to worry about what other people are doing. (my 2 cents)

 

[CapnRandy]

I have been SCUBA certified before, but it was many years ago, and has expired many years ago. I guess it is the fear of the unknown. When I was getting certified, I hated surface time because I couldn't see what was going on below me. While diving, it wasn't the same and even though visibility was nill sometimes, I didn't have the same fear. I have never dove with sharks, that I could see anyway, so again, I guess it's my imagination. :06:

 

[scubapro50]

that's why you always dive with a buddy ... there's a 50/50 chance that if a hungry shark shows up he will eat your buddy and not you .... remember my 3 simple rules for shark encounters ... (1) if a single shark is present never take your eye off him .... (2) if 2 sharks are there then start back for the boat before any more of their friends show up .... (3) if 3 or more sharks appear then you will find me back at the beach club having a beer telling how I barely escaped being eaten alive ....

 

[CapnRandy]

You guys are a tough bunch.

 

[adurso]

If you are well offshore, unless you are dumping garbage, or in a sea lane where they have done so, you will be pretty safe from a surface attack.

 

[ScubaFrog]

While in Aruba last year, we came across 3 sharks. They never bothered us at all and we never bothered them. Great experience.

 

[JustAddWater]

I've been diving with sharks a few times; a couple of times with species that have a reputation for being dangerous. I have never had a problem. Yet, if a shark were to show signs of agitation I would swim like he!!. I don't have to swim faster than the shark. I just have to swim faster than my buddy.

 

[zboss]

I have a question. I was wondering what are the ACTUAL dangers regarding sharks if I were on a boat well offshore and wanted to take a swim? I have never done it because I figured the odds were that if there were one hungry shark in the ocean, he would be right under my boat. Comments!

you have a dive knife... in a wrestle to the death with a great monster of the sea it always helps to have an advantage. I suggest going for the eyes - it's worked the majority of the time (maybe 97 out of 100 ) I have had to defend myself.