Surviving a shark attack: A man shares his crucial survival tips
Paul de Gelder, a former Australian Navy diver who survived a 2009 great white shark attack, shared critical insights on surviving shark encounters during his interview for Discovery's Shark Week 2025. His tips, rooted in both practical and psychological strategies, aim to help others stay safe in underwater and beach environments.
Stay Calm and Avoid Panicking
In a shark encounter, staying calm is crucial. Sharks are less likely to attack when they see you are calm and in control. Panicking can provoke the shark or make you more vulnerable.
Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact with a shark can make it hesitate in its approach. This simple action demonstrates that you are aware and not easy prey.
Avoid Shiny Objects
Avoid any shiny objects in the water during a shark encounter. These could attract sharks and make the person an easy target.
Push, Don't Punch
If necessary, push the shark away rather than punching it. Aim for sensitive areas like the nose or eyes, but avoid grabbing the shark’s face or snout to prevent overstimulation and a possible reflex bite.
Know Your Enemy
Understand that sharks don’t want to fight you. They are exploratory or defensive by nature, and using this knowledge can help control your response and prevent provoking aggression.
Be Prepared
Carry a tourniquet to prevent bleeding out in case of limb loss during a shark attack. Paul de Gelder's experience highlights the importance of preparation and knowledge when faced with a dangerous shark encounter.
Avoid Reflective Jewelry
Wearing reflective jewelry that mimics fish scales should be avoided during a shark encounter, as it could attract sharks and make the person an easy target.
Stand Your Ground
In a shark encounter, standing your ground and staring the shark down is recommended. This can potentially deter its approach.
Pushing a Shark in the Nose
By pushing a shark in the nose, you can show it that you are not an easy prey and potentially deter its approach. This method, suggested by Paul de Gelder, is more effective in deterring the animal during a shark encounter.
Paul de Gelder's story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by sharks and the life-saving strategies one should employ in such life-threatening circumstances. His experiences and advice offer valuable insights for anyone venturing into underwater or beach environments.
In the context of underwater or beach encounters with sharks, it's advisable to avoid wearing reflective jewelry that resembles fish scales, as it could attract sharks and potentially make one an easy target.
Conversely, standing one's ground and maintaining eye contact with a shark during an encounter can potentially deter its approach, showing the shark that the individual is aware and not easy prey.
