WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A GREAT WHITE SHARK

1 STAY CALM AND STOP HUMMING THE “JAWS” THEME!

You will soon recognise that the shark is more curious about you and your electromagnetic field than it is interested in you as a meal. The shark’s normal pray does not wear a scuba tank and blow bubbles. Most sharks hunt at the surface or look for injured sea creatures, so when sharks do happen to bite humans, it is usually a case of mistaken identity that often occurs at the surface.

If you are deep underwater, you are less likely to be bitten by a shark

2 RESPECT THEIR ENVIRONMENT

Remember, you are in their territory. Look out for signs that they may feel threatened by your presence. If the shark’s back is arched and its pectoral fins are downward-facing, this is a sign that they may be scared, or that you have encroached on an area where they may be trying to mate. If this happens, stay calm and slowly leave the immediate area, keeping your eyes on them at all times. “They like the element of surprise, and so they tend to stay further away if you are closely watching them,” Andrew Fox notes. If the shark has become increasingly curious about you, it may begin circling, making it more difficult for you to leave the area. While this may feel like a lifetime, often it is only a few seconds. The key here is to stand your ground. Stay back to back with your dive buddy, and maintain eye contact with the shark until its interest wanes and you can leave safely

3 FEEL PRIVILEGED

Great white sharks are highly evolved, intelligent and majestic creatures. With many shark species the world over facing extinction, if you encounter a great white shark whilst diving, or any shark for that matter, consider it an immense privilege