Hot Tips for Safe Swimming in Summer 2017/18

Announcement posted by 360PR 14 Nov 2017

11 ways to protect yourself from an unwanted shark encounter

Media Release - 14 November 2017

As we approach the warmer months, most Aussies are looking forward to their favourite time of year, beach season and summer holidays. It is important that all ocean enthusiasts take responsibility for their own water safety and look out for each other.

Lindsay Lyon, CEO of Shark Shield, the world’s only scientifically proven electrical shark deterrent, provides his tips on preventing a shark attack and staying safe this summer: “The increase of shark sightings and attacks along the eastern seaboard is very concerning. Ever-changing conditions, the presence of a nursery in the north coast and more people in the water, due to a hot summer, are all contributing factors.”

Shark Shield’s FREEDOM+ Surf product recently featured in the brand new television series Australia By Design - Innovation, with Australia's leading innovation experts on the judging panel for the series of six episodes.

To decrease your chances of an unwanted shark encounter, Lyon recommends following these guidelines/practices:

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.
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 other people. Sharks most often attack lone individuals.
Swim in patrolled beaches if possible. Surf lifesavers look for sharks and will alert beach-goers if there is a sighting.
Don't wander too far from shore. This will isolate you and decrease the likelihood of receiving any assistance.
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.
Avoid murky waters, harbour entrances, channels, and steep drop-offs. Sharks frequently swim around these areas.
Wear a Shark Shield safety product for water activities. These are the world’s only scientifically proven electrical shark deterrent, nothing is more effective.
If fish or turtles start to act frantically, leave the water. They may be behaving this way because there is a shark nearby.
Refrain from excessive splashing, and if you are diving and are approached by a shark, stay as still as possible. Unpredictable movements can attract sharks and if you are diving and carrying fish, release the catch and carefully leave the area.

About Shark Shield
Shark Shield is the world’s only scientifically proven electrical shark deterrent, nothing is more effective. Sharks have short-range electrical receptors in their snouts used for finding food. Shark Shield’s patented technology creates a powerful three-dimensional electrical field which causes unbearable spasms in these sensitive receptors turning sharks away, including Great Whites. Shark Shield safety products provide peace of mind for surfers, divers and ocean lovers around the world supporting shark conservation by enabling humans and sharks to share our oceans; the ultimate ocean guardian.

For further information, images or to interview Lindsay Lyon, please contact 360 PR:
Rachel King – 02 9571 4448 – 0423 833 814 - E: rachel@360pr.com.au