Scientists reveal how to avoid a shark attack - and their method is surprisingly simple
Scientists have found that attaching bright lights to an object like a seal-shaped decoy or a surfboard actually reduced how often great white sharks attack. The researchers think this could be used to make life-saving shark deterrents for surfers
The researchers spent nearly 500 hours towing seal-shaped foam decoys through the shark-infested waters of Mossel Bay, South Africa to test shark deterrent strategies
Scientists found that attaching lights to a seal-shaped decoy significantly reduced how often great white sharks attacked
Great white sharks actually have poor eyesight, meaning they attack based on the outline of their prey rather than any fine details. Since surfers look like seals from below they are often accidentally hunted
How to avoid a shark attack Shark attacks can be avoided by using strips of LED lights.Great whites are visual hunters which rely on spotting their prey's silhoutte to strike.By breaking up your silhouette using lights, sharks no longer recognise you as a potential prey item.While this technology is being developed, experts advise that swimmers avoid entering the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are active.You should also stay close to shore and avoid entering murky water where sharks might more easily mistake your outline for prey. Advertisement
