How to Swim with Sharks

 

Francine, we aren’t on Lake Michigan anymore.

Sharks.  They’re everywhere.  Under the boat.  Under the dock.  Passing below the paddle board.  Circling the snorkel spot.  To swim in Bahama waters, is to swim with sharks.

How?  Carefully, of course. 

First, learn your sharks.   

There are three kinds around, though one is seldom seen.

First, bull sharks.  The scary shark.  “REACTION TO DIVERS:  Wary; generally move away when approached, but may make close pass.  Considered dangerous, especially in the vicinity of spearfishing activities.”  Reef Fish Identification.

“Since bull sharks often dwell in very shallow waters, are found in many types of habitats, are territorial by nature, and have no tolerance for provocation, they may be more dangerous to humans than any other species of shark.  Along with the tiger shark and great white shark, bull sharks are among the three shark species most likely to bite humans.”  Wikipedia

Here I am in the water at the front of the boat checking our mooring.  Note:  objects are much closer than they appear in the video.

Then, nurse sharks.  The friendly shark.  “REACTION TO DIVERS:  Appear unconcerned; usually lie motionless unless disturbed.  Tend to bite if provoked.”  Reef Fish Identification.

 

Finally, lemon sharks.  The seldom seen shark.  “REACTION TO DIVERS:  Appear unconcerned; often swim away, but may make close pass.  Can often be closely approached, when resting on the bottom.  Considered dangerous; can be aggressive, especially in the vicinity of spearfishing activities.”  Reef Fish Identification.

Sorry, no video for lemon sharks, because they are, well, seldom seen.

Then learn the basic rules.

·       If someone is spearfishing in the vicinity, leave the vicinity.

·       If you are spearfishing:

o   If a bull shark arrives, leave the water.

o   If a nurse shark arrives, get your catch out of the water immediately.

·       Don’t swim in marinas.  The fish cleaning done there attracts sharks of all three kinds.

·       Don’t act like prey:

o   Hang vertically in the water.  Prey swims horizontally.

o   Calm your heart.  Slow your breath.  Sharks respond more to these cues than to blood in the water.

·       If playing with a nurse shark, be slow and gentle.  Keep your hands from its mouth.