A Shark Suddenly Circles an Isolated Woman Just Off Shore

Many people, even those living far from the ocean, are afraid of sharks. Popular culture commonly portrays sharks as dangerous, man-eating monsters, but this is far from the real truth. In fact, humans are a much greater threat to sharks than sharks are to humans. But what should you do if you encounter a shark in the wild? The woman in this video perfectly demonstrated how to stay safe while swimming in the ocean, even when sharks are nearby!

When and Why Do Sharks Attack?

Contrary to what you see in movies and on TV, shark attacks are extremely rare, with fewer than 100 occurring each year and an average of only 6 deaths. In 2024, there were just 47 unprovoked shark bites. You’re statistically more likely to be struck by lightning, bitten by a dog, or even bitten by another person. The reality is that sharks are often nearby when we go into the ocean, but as they avoid humans we rarely see them.

Sharks don’t typically hunt or target humans as prey — we simply aren’t part of their natural diet, and we’re not nearly as appealing or nutritious as their usual food sources. Most sharks feed on fish or invertebrates. Of the hundreds of shark species in the world, only a handful are potentially dangerous to humans, as they pursue larger prey like seals and other marine mammals. Even species considered to be “aggressive”, such as tiger and bull sharks, don’t intentionally target humans and frequently swim near us without incident.

Sharks are opportunistic feeders. In many cases, unprovoked shark attacks result from mistaken identity, as humans can resemble seals or sea lions.

Respecting Sharks and Staying Safe

Sharks are naturally curious and explore their environment. Lacking hands or limbs, they primarily use their mouths to investigate, much like a human toddler. The problem with this method is that a shark’s teeth are super sharp, so even a gentle bump could potentially cause damage. This explains why so many shark encounters result in only a single large cut or scrape; a shark intending to attack would cause far greater damage.

There are many ways to lower your risk of encountering a shark in the ocean. Sharks are opportunistic hunters and often gather where there is a lot of food, so avoid swimming near large schools of fish or groups of dolphins, as these can attract sharks. Also, avoid swimming in areas where people are fishing.

Always go swimming with at least one other person — their presence will help deter a shark from coming to investigate. Avoid swimming in murky water, as low visibility increases the risk of a shark mistaking you for prey. Additionally, avoid swimming at dusk or dawn, as this is when sharks often hunt.

See a Shark? Stay Calm

If you encounter a shark while swimming, like the woman in this YouTube video, stay calm. Use slow, gentle movements to return to shore. Avoid splashing or sudden movements, as these can make you look distressed and attract sharks. Note how the woman in the video remained calm and collected as she slowly moved closer to shore, and the shark in turn showed no interest in her.

Hammerhead Sharks

The shark featured in the video is a hammerhead looking for food. These sharks are common in shallow waters near shore, where they often chase rays. Although hammerheads can grow quite large, they very rarely bite humans. The International Shark Attack File records just over a dozen incidents since 1900 involving hammerhead sharks, and none resulted in death.