Shark Attacks in Hawaii
The Truth about Shark Attacks in Hawaii
By Anna Lynn Sibal
Hawaii has long been known to be one of the most popular island destinations in the world. Millions of tourists go to Hawaii all year round to enjoy the one of a kind holiday that people can have especially in Hawaii.
One thing makes people wary of going to the beaches of Hawaii, however, and this is none other than the sharks infesting Hawaii’s waters. It is said that shark attacks are frequent in this part of the world, claiming dozens of lives each year.
Are shark attacks fact or fiction in Hawaii?
It is true that there are sharks living in the seas surrounding the islands of Hawaii. For dozens of species of sharks, the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean so near Hawaii are their natural habitat.
But in general, sharks leave humans alone. Shark attacks, no matter what the causes are and despite all the media hype they have received, are few and far between in the waters of Hawaii.
The Probable Cause Behind the Hype
Perhaps the reason why stories of shark attacks seem rampant in Hawaii simply has something to do with proportion. Hawaii has become a very popular tourist destination in the last few decades, with millions flying to the islands from all over the world to enjoy its sun, its beaches and its culture. With millions of people frequenting these so-called shark-infested waters of Hawaii every year, then news about shark attacks will be highlighted more and definitely blown out of proportion.
Sharks are vicious creatures; no one can deny that. But dangerous as sharks are, they do not attack humans because humans are not their natural prey. Sharks are more likely to go after turtles, monk seals, baby humpback whales, and other fish and mammals living in the sea. If a human becomes a victim to a shark attack, it is more likely that he or she got mistaken for another prey by the shark. It is also possible that the human involved did something that provoked the shark attack.
Humans can do so many things that can lead a shark to attack them. If they are fishing in deep waters, it is highly likely that the fish entrails that they cast away can attract the shark. Blood can easily drive a shark into frenzy.
Avoiding Shark Attacks
Hawaii is a beautiful place. That its waters are home to sharks is not a reason to avoid visiting the islands. You can do so many things to avoid being attacked by a shark when swimming or doing water sports in Hawaii. Here are some of them.
- Swim only in beaches manned by lifeguards and only during the daylight. Guarded beaches are safe; lifeguards can quickly alert swimmers to the presence of sharks and rescue a swimmer if he or she does get attacked.
- Avoid swimming in dark waters. You will never know what is underneath the murky surface of the water.
- Never swim alone, and never swim of you are bleeding. Blood is the easiest way to lure a shark.
- Do not wear bathing suits with bright and contrasting colors or shiny jewelry when swimming. Bright colors and shiny things can draw in sharks too.
- If there are sea turtles near the place you are swimming and they start to swim away with obvious panic, go and swim for safety. It means a shark is nearby.
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