## What to Do When Scuba Diving with Sharks
Sharks are often misunderstood and feared creatures, but they are also fascinating and beautiful animals. If you’re lucky enough to encounter sharks while scuba diving, it’s important to know how to behave to avoid a negative interaction.
**Here are some tips on what to do when scuba diving with sharks:**
* **Stay calm and avoid panic.** Sharks are more likely to attack if they feel threatened. If you see a shark, try to remain calm and move slowly away from it.
* **Don’t make sudden movements.** Sharks are attracted to movement, so avoid making any sudden jerks or movements that could startle them.
* **Don’t touch or harass sharks.** Sharks are wild animals and should not be touched or harassed. Even a gentle touch can startle a shark and make it more likely to attack.
* **Swim away slowly and calmly.** If a shark approaches you, swim away slowly and calmly. Do not make any sudden movements or loud noises.
* **If a shark attacks, fight back.** If a shark does attack you, fight back with all your strength. Use your hands, feet, and any objects you can find to defend yourself. Sharks are more likely to let go if they are injured.
**In addition to the tips above, here are some other things to keep in mind when scuba diving with sharks:**
* **Be aware of your surroundings.** Pay attention to the water around you and be aware of any sharks that may be in the area.
* **Dive with a buddy.** Diving with a buddy can help you stay safe and provide support in the event of an encounter with a shark.
* **Use a shark repellent.** Shark repellents can help to deter sharks from approaching you.
* **Carry a knife or other self-defense weapon.** A knife or other self-defense weapon can be used to defend yourself if a shark does attack.
**By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being attacked by a shark while scuba diving. However, it is important to remember that sharks are wild animals and there is always the potential for an attack. If you are concerned about your safety, you should avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to live.**
### What Not to Do When Scuba Diving with Sharks
In addition to the things you should do when scuba diving with sharks, there are also some things you should avoid doing. These include:
* **Don’t attract sharks by chumming the water.** Chumming the water involves throwing bait into the water to attract fish, which can in turn attract sharks. This is a dangerous practice that should be avoided.
* **Don’t spearfish or hunt sharks.** Spearfishing or hunting sharks is illegal in many areas and can be dangerous. If you see a shark, leave it alone.
* **Don’t swim in areas where sharks are known to be aggressive.** There are some areas in the world where sharks are known to be more aggressive than others. If you are unsure about whether or not an area is safe for swimming, consult a local expert.
* **Don’t swim at night.** Sharks are more likely to be active at night, so it is best to avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to live at night.
**By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being attacked by a shark while scuba diving.**
### Conclusion
Sharks are fascinating creatures, but it’s important to remember that they are also wild animals. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce your risk of being attacked by a shark while scuba diving. However, it is important to remember that there is always the potential for an attack. If you are concerned about your safety, you should avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to live.