888-765-5400Beach Safety – Can You Help Prevent a Shark Attack?
I grew up in the generation of Jaws, when a great white shark became the subject of most children’s nightmares. As a kid, I didn’t spend much time at the ocean, but I can remember having moments when I even felt afraid to be in the deep end of a swimming pool, my imagination run wild with images of young girls being pulled under and gobbled up by vicious man-eating sharks. As an adult, I have watched my children spend endless hours bobbing up and down in the waves of both the Pacific and the Atlantic and although I know there is nothing they would rather do than boogie board, I still catch myself feeling moments of panic at the thought of what might be lurking out in the water just inches from my offspring. For years, I have told myself that this is foolish thinking and forced myself to give my children the freedom they need to enjoy one of the greatest things on earth – a day at the beach.
But this year, I’m having second thoughts. There have been eight shark attacks this summer alone off the coasts of North Carolina and according to George H. Burgess, the director of the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, “clearly, something is going on in North Carolina right now.” He referred to that something as “a perfect storm,” and explained some of the possible reasons.
Listed among the top reasons are warmer weather and high salinity. Because sharks prefer warmer water, most shark attacks occur when ocean water reaches about 80 degrees Farenheit. That happened early this year, in April, and those higher temperatures have drawn the sharks further north. The water is also saltier than normal. Due to the drought North Carolina has experienced this year, less rainwater has flowed off the land into the sea, making the waters right off the coast less diluted. According to Burgess, sharks not only prefer warmer water, but also saltier.
There has also been a high concentration of bait fish off the North Carolina coast this summer. These small fish, called menhaden, are a shark’s favorite prey. Burgess notes that there has been “a combination of more sharks, more people, and lots of bait fish, and that’s a formula for more shark bites.” Sharks can smell bait and blood from a long distance away and fishing along the shores is an attraction for sharks.
According to the experts, despite the fact that the state has had an unusual amount of shark attacks this summer, the water is still relatively safe. In fact, there have only been 55 documented shark attacks in North Carolina between 1905 and 2014 and the chance of getting bit is still very low – an estimated one in 11.5 million. Still, if you are the one bitten that statistic is not very comforting and it is important to know how to minimize the risk of a shark attack. NC Health Plans encourages you to be aware of these safety precautions:
Stay out of shark-infested waters: This includes estuaries and coastal rivers and lakes, where bull sharks like to swim. Heed all warning signs in coastal areas where sharks have recently been spotted. Avoid steep drop-off areas and areas between sand bars, as well as waters contaminated with sewage as these are some of a shark’s favorite places to hunt.
Avoid swimming near fishing activity: Sharks may come in to try and snack off fisherman nets or lines. They are also attracted by bait or by discarded fish. If you happen to notice seabirds swooping down to the water, there’s a good chance there’s fish down there and you may want to avoid those waters.
Dress appropriately: Avoid wearing brightly colored swimwear or suits with high contrast. Don’t wear jewelry or other reflective material when swimming in the ocean. Bright yellow and orange can be attractive to sharks so stick to duller colors if at all possible. However, if you are swimming in the open ocean, you need to consider that an orange life jacket can also save your life.
Swim in a group: You should never swim alone in the ocean. Not only is it unsafe, but sharks are much less likely to attack or even approach a group of people. Also, if someone is attacked by a shark, help is available immediately.
Don’t swim during the night or at dawn or dusk: Sharks do their most active hunting at these times and they are also harder for you to see when it is dark. Even overcast or gloomy days can recreate the condition of feeding time for a shark so it is best to avoid the water on these days.
Stay out of the water if bleeding: As anyone who has ever seen Jaws knows, sharks love blood and they can smell it from very far distances. If you have an open wound, do not go ocean swimming.
Keep in mind that sharks are not hunting humans. They are hunting fish. Bright colors, shiny material, blood and any movements that mimic a fish, especially a wounded one can draw a sharks attention. Avoid splashing around and making sudden erratic movements when you are in the water. The bad news is that sharks are fearsome predators. The good news is that humans are rarely on the menu, even by mistake. NC Health Plans encourages you to understand the conditions affecting the coasts of North Carolina this summer and do what you can to minimize the risk of shark attack.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.