## What to Do When Approached by a Shark Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an amazing experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers, including sharks. While shark attacks are rare, they do happen, so it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever approached by a shark while scuba diving.
### Stay Calm
The most important thing to do if you’re approached by a shark is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
### Assess the Situation
Once you’re calm, take a moment to assess the situation. How close is the shark? Is it showing any signs of aggression? If the shark is far away and not showing any signs of aggression, you may be able to simply swim away slowly and calmly.
### If the Shark is Close and Aggressive
If the shark is close and showing signs of aggression, such as circling you or swimming towards you with its mouth open, you need to take more aggressive action. Here are a few things you can do:
Make yourself look big. Spread your arms and legs out and make yourself as large as possible. This will make you look less like prey.
Make noise. Scream, bang on your tank, or use a whistle to scare the shark away.
Fight back. If the shark attacks, fight back with all your might. Hit the shark in the nose, eyes, or gills.
### After the Shark Leaves
Once the shark has left, it’s important to get out of the water as quickly as possible. Swim to the nearest boat or shore and get out of the water.
### Prevention
The best way to avoid being approached by a shark is to take precautions while scuba diving. Here are a few things you can do:
Dive with a buddy. Never dive alone.
Stay in shallow water. Sharks are more likely to be found in deep water.
Avoid diving at night. Sharks are more active at night.
Avoid diving in areas where there is a lot of fish. Sharks are attracted to fish.
Don’t wear shiny jewelry or clothing. Sharks may mistake shiny objects for fish scales.
### Conclusion
Sharks are fascinating creatures, but they can also be dangerous. By taking precautions and knowing what to do if you’re ever approached by a shark, you can help reduce your risk of being attacked.
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