This summer of the shark has been record breaking and it has a ton of people in a panic. While shark attacks are seemingly coming in left and right it seems, parents everywhere are pulling their kids out of the water. In fact, parents are getting out of the water. But is it justified? That is a complicated question:
Drowning in a bathtub
Getting blown up by fireworks
Winning an Olympic Gold Medal
Getting struck by lightning
Being murdered
All of the above are FAR more likely to happen than your child being attacked by a shark. Yet, the fear remains. Even with the sudden increase (not everyone agrees that there even is one) worldwide, the odds of getting bitten by a shark is one in over three million. Think about that.
Still, it is a concern. Sharks are in the ocean and will sometimes bite us. By accident or because they are hungry, sharks have always been there and always been a threat. Has anything really changed?
Shark Safety – Is it Safe To Let Your Kids Swim in the Ocean?
The answer to this question is a personal one and only you can make that decision for your kids. The threat will always be there and sharks are not the only ones. What we can do is stay as safe as possible if we go in the water. Here are some key shark safety rules to follow if you allow your children into the water this summer:
–Never enter the water with a cut or bleeding of any kind. (Even menstrual)
–Do not swim at dusk, dawn or after dark. This is the time of day when sharks will be feeding.
–Avoid areas of the ocean where there are many hovering birds or schools of fish.
–When you know there are sharks in the water, stay out of the water. (This seems like a no-brainer but people really do this)
–Stay away from drop-offs, sandbars and shelfs. This is another common area to find sharks.
–Stay away from piers and other areas where fishermen have been. This includes areas where the bay feeds into the ocean.
–Keep all pets out of the water
–Never be isolated or alone. Stay in groups
–Wear boring flat colors. Sharks see contrast and will notice bright colors and shiny material. No jewelry.
These are a few of the more important shark safety tips if you are going to be in the water. The truth is, more shark bites are happening because more and more people are in the water than ever before. If you have always swam in the ocean, the odds are that you will continue. The key is to use common sense and always be as aware as possible. The rest is up to the sharks.
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