After a recent spate of shark bite incidents off the coast of Australia, Ocean Guardian has recruited two-time World Surfing Champion Tom Carroll to share his tips to protect yourself from an unwanted shark encounter this summer, including their latest Shark Shield systems for both surfers and SCUBA divers.
“Shark Shield Technology is a win for surfers and sharks alike, Carroll said. “It takes the wellbeing of sharks as seriously as the protection of humans and provides the ultimate safety for ocean enthusiasts during the upcoming warmer months. Ideally don’t surf alone and it’s best if you can stay out of the water at night, dawn and dusk, it’s known that these are the times when sharks will be searching for food.”
According to Ocean Guardian, Shark Shield Technology is the world’s only scientifically proven and independently tested electrical shark deterrent. Government approved and developed over two decades of research, Ocean Guardian’s patented technology creates a powerful three-dimensional electrical field, which causes safe but unbearable spasms in shark’s short-range electrical receptors, turning sharks away, including great whites.
“The reality is that our Australian beaches are very safe, particularly for the general population swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches,” Ocean Guardian CEO Lindsay Lyon said. “However, if your diving or surfing then definitely consider using an Ocean Guardian, Powered by Shark Shield Technology, don’t take the risk, think of it like driving without a seatbelt.”
Tom Carroll’s top tips to stay safe in the ocean this summer:
- Download the Dorsal App for iPhone or Android – Dorsal is a free community-based shark alerting solution that allows beachgoers and authorities to immediately alert others to shark sighting or attacks in their area.
- Wear a scientifically proven shark deterrent – Ocean Guardian products are powered by Shark Shield Technology, the world’s only scientifically proven electrical shark deterrent, nothing is more effective.
- Stay out of the water at night, dawn, or dusk – Sharks are most active at these times and are well equipped to locate prey even when visibility is poor.
- Refrain from excessive splashing – Unpredictable movements can attract sharks. If you are spearfishing and carrying fish when you see a shark, release the catch and carefully leave the area.
- Don’t wear high-contrast clothing or light reflecting jewellery – Sharks see contrast very well and light reflecting objects may appear to be fish scales.
- Swim, surf or dive with a buddy – Sharks most often attack lone individuals.
- Avoid murky waters, harbour entrances, channels, and steep drop-offs – Sharks frequently swim around these areas.
- Swim in patrolled beaches Surf lifesavers look for sharks and will alert beach-goers if there is a sighting.
- Don’t enter the water if bleeding – Sharks have an excellent sense of smell and taste and can trace blood to its source.
- Avoid areas where animal, human, or fish waste enters the water – Sewage attracts baitfish, which in turn attracts sharks.
- If fish or turtles start to act frantically, leave the water – They may be behaving this way because there is a shark nearby.
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