Here’s a fact; the odds of being bitten by a shark while surfing are 1 in 17 million. While they happen, you’re 30 times more likely to have a fatal incident with a falling coconut than you are a shark. Or get squished by a vending machine or struck by lightning.
But that’s not to say they don’t happen of course, sharks in our waters are part of the natural cycle, it’s their home and we’re just visiting.
If the worse did happen though – and you, or someone in the water with you, did have a shark encounter – would you know what to do? There’s a whole load of information out there so we decided to collate some steps into one place.
Initial Response is Crucial
Medics say those first 10 seconds, and how you act, are crucial to everything that comes next. After a bite, your body will want to instinctively lash out and try to swim away. It’s important that you don’t, because it mimics prey behaviour trying to escape. The Florida Museum of Natural History actually cites the opposite; remain calm, maintain eye contact and back away slowly. If the shark comes around for a second attempt, they say to try and “hit the shark in the eyes and gills,” and “push the snout of the shark away.” Make your way to shore and exit the water.
If you see a shark attack someone else, try to wave down lifeguards, get the victim on your board or boat and remain calm in the water. If the shark is circling, maintain eye contact and try not to panic or splash. Divers keep their elbow locked so when a shark approaches a bit too close, they can easily push the snout, or just above the snout, away from them. If needed, you can use your leash as a tourniquet.
Related: El Niño vs La Niña: How Pacific Mood Swings Reshape Surf Seasons
Exit The Water Calmly
Most shark bites are exploratory, taking a passing swipe at surfers (again, very rarely, 1 in 17 million…). It’s important you exit the water as calmly as possible and minimise splashing or frantic movement. Signal for help as soon as you can – because every moment is going to count here.
Plug The Bleeding
What people don’t mention is that it’s not always the initial bite that proves fatal, it’s the moments afterwards. You must stop the bleeding, by any means possible. Apply direct pressure to the wound with your hands, if you’re wearing a rashie, use that. If the bite is on the leg or the arm, use your leash as a makeshift tourniquet and tie it above the shark bite. Never place it over a joint, like elbow or knee. The aim of the tourniquet is to slow blood movement between your heart and wound. Once the tourniquet is on, do not loosen or remove it. Keep the injured limb elevated above heart level as gravity will work in your favor. Again, the easier said then done thing, try to remain calm. Make a note of how long you’ve had it on and tell the emergency responders when they arrive. Also, check them over for signs of other trauma as the adrenaline may have numbed the pain elsewhere.
Asses The Airway
Speak to the person and if their voice is normal (though, understandably panicked) the airway is clear. When they’re lying flat, after doing everything you can to stop the bleeding, listen to their chest and watch it rise and fall. If you hear a gurgling noise, inform emergency responders as soon as they’re on the scene.
The Shock Will Calm Down
After a traumatic injury, or something so unexpected, shock will set in moments after and will take a while to come down. The pain will have been numbed by adrenaline, while the body focuses on survival, and it’s important to be aware of this. You should always call emergency services or make your way to hospital, regardless if you feel ok or not. There’s more going on than just trauma from the injury, you could be susceptible to infection, given the bacteria in a shark’s mouth. Go get it treated, immediately. If you witness a shark attack, it’s important to mention to the victim to go get it checked out, even if they protest. And if you’re dealing with a shark attack victim, lay them down flat and keep them warm with blankets, towels, anything you can find, after stemming the bleed. Even if they protest, keeping their body temperature up prevents hypothermia – which can prevent blood from clotting properly, this will worsen the bleeding. So, control the bleeding, remove any wet clothing if possible, keep warm. Those are the main elements.
Having A Plan Is Key
If you’re surfing with your buddies around a shark hotspot, have a plan of action. Note how far the hospitals are, where the lifeguards are (are they on duty) and have a bit of a plan as to what to do if it happens. Grim conversation? Maybe, but could be the one that saves your life so that you know exactly what to do in the face of an attack.
Related: World’s Sharkiest Surf Zones Ranked by Deadly Shark Encounters