Shark Attack Tips

Shark Attack Tips from National Geographic.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE ATTACKED

• If attack is imminent, defend yourself with whatever weapons you can, advises the ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. "Avoid using your [bare] hands or feet if you can avoid it; if not, concentrate your blows against the shark's delicate eyes or gills." A shark's snout is also said to be sensitive.

• If a shark actually gets you in its mouth, says ISAF's George Burgess, "I advise to be as aggressively defensive as you are able. 'Playing dead' does not work. Pound the shark in any way possible. Try to claw at the eyes and gill openings, two very sensitive areas."

• If bitten, try to stop the bleeding. Leave the water as efficiently, calmly, and swiftly as possible. While many sharks will not bite again, you cannot rule out a second attack.

• Get immediate medical attention, no matter how small the injury.

HOW TO HELP A VICTIM

• Remove the victim from the water as soon as possible.

• Even before you leave the water, begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets.

• Protect the victim from cold by wrapping him or her in a blanket to minimize heat loss.

• Once out of the water try not to move the victim unnecessarily. Call for medical help.