Sharks:Dangerous or Endangered? : Minimizing the Risk of Shark Attacks.

Shark attacks on humans are rare, with encounters occurring mainly near the shore. Sharks are often found inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars, where they may be trapped during low tide, and near steep drop-offs, where their prey tend to congregate. To minimize the risk of being attacked by a shark, it is important to take the following precautions.

lWhen swimming at a beach, stay in a group and do not go too far from the shore.

lAvoid being in the water during the hours of twilight, early morning, and darkness, when sharks are most active.

lStay out of the water if you are bleeding.

lDo not enter the water wearing shiny jewelry or bright clothing.

lAvoid areas being used by fishermen, especially if you see diving birds or other signs of bait fishes and feeding activity.

lExercise caution when entering murky waters and areas near sandbars or steep drop-offs.

lDo not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and evacuate the water if you see a shark.

Condensed from information provided by NOAA Fisheries at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sharks/Press--Kit--Sharks.htm and the Florida Museum of Natural History at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/Attacks/relariskreduce.htm.