It is natural for humans to take a moment of pause before entering the water. There is something in our DNA tells us to use a degree of caution and to stay alert for predators when entering into the wild and therefore into the food chain. While a useful trait, our natural fear of the ocean is often unfounded. While most should fear the prospect of drowning, most people immediately associate shark attacks with their deepest, darkest nightmares of the ocean. This fear of sharks has been perpetuated throughout recent decades by media-generated stereotypes that depict sharks as mindless killers. In fact, this misinformed idea owes more to the runaway success of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 horror blockbuster sensation Jaws than to any historical evidence of sharks’ appetite for humans. In a vacation destination as closely associated with beaches and ocean-oriented activities as Florida, these popular misconceptions about shark activity run wild with people’s’ imaginations. From vacationing tourists to sun-baked natives, many hold a fear of sharks because they simply don’t understand the creatures, choosing to see them as movie monsters instead. This portrayal couldn’t be farther from the truth. Diesel Services of America has been meeting the marine diesel needs of South Florida for years, so we’ve had our fair share of shark encounters. In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our expertise to help keep you and our ecosystem safe while enjoying your diesel vessel.
There are many, many sharks swimming off of the coast of Florida, but these are far from the 25-foot monstrosities from the horror movies (nor do they cause mass destruction with the aide of rogue tornadoes). While almost wild predators are potentially dangerous, the shark holds a particularly high spot on the fear scale for most. However, this image couldn’t be farther from the truth – shark attacks on humans are actually incredibly rare. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida had the most unprovoked shark attacks in the United States in 2014 with 28 incidents reported but no fatalities. Meanwhile, Florida experienced six lightning-related fatalities during the very same year. Sharks aren’t even the deadliest wildlife in the state – poisonous insects and snakes kill more people each year in Florida than sharks do by a significant margin. Shark attacks aren’t even that common on a worldwide scale, with only 50-70 typically occurring per year. Fatalities are even less common, as sharks do not consider humans natural prey – most shark attacks occur when the shark mistakes a human for prey such as fish and seals. Typically, a shark will often attack once at the hand or the foot, let go, and leave the area. In most cases injuries are relatively minor, but no matter how familiar you are with Florida’s waters there are certain things that can keep you and your loved ones safe from shark attacks.
Whether you’re enjoying your diesel vessel or just spending a day at the beach, it is best to be prepared by taking steps to reduce your risk of a shark attack. You should always stay within a group when in the water as sharks are far more likely to attack the individual. On that note, it is also wise to remain close to the shore in case you require assistance. Not only is visibility at its lowest during the evening hours, but sharks are also at their most active during this time. Avoid entering the water during these hours – sharks will be at a completely sensory advantage in the darkness. You should also never enter the water while bleeding or wearing shiny jewelry as these will attract the attention of sharks even at great distances. Sharks also see contrast particularly well, so bright colored clothing should also be avoided while swimming. Do not allow your pets to enter the water no matter how well they swim – excessive splashing can appear to a shark as wounded prey. Of course, the best way to avoid an unpleasant run-in with a shark is to avoid them all together! If you do see a shark, remove yourself from the water immediately and leave the area. By following these tips from Diesel Services of America, you’ll be sure to keep you and your loved ones safe while boating this summer!
