Shark attacks are rare, but when they happen, they can be terrifying and deadly. To keep yourself safe while enjoying the ocean, follow these 12 steps to minimize the risk of a shark attack.

1. Choose your beach wisely: Research beach locations and avoid those with high shark activity. Look for any recent sightings or incidents to stay informed.

2. Swim in groups: Sharks are more likely to target individuals rather than groups of people. Swimming with others can deter sharks from coming too close.

Stay close to the shore: The closer you are to the shore, the less deep the water is, reducing the chances of encountering a shark.

3. Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk: Sharks tend to be more active during these times as they hunt for food. Stick to swimming during daylight hours.

4. Stay away from seals and fish: Seals are a favorite prey of sharks, and swimming near fish can attract unwanted attention.

5. Don’t wear shiny jewelry: Reflective accessories look like fish scales in the water, which might attract sharks. Remove any shiny items before entering the water.

6. Wear neutral colored swimwear: Bright or contrasting colors can attract sharks’ attention. Stick to blues, greens, or tans for your swimsuit selection.

7. Avoid excessive splashing: Keep your movements smooth and steady while swimming to reduce noise and avoid attracting curious sharks.

8. Don’t swim if you’re bleeding: Sharks have an excellent sense of smell and can detect blood from miles away. If you have an open wound or are menstruating, stay out of the water.

9. Stay calm and collected: Panic only makes things worse in case of an encounter with a shark. Panicked splashing will potentially draw their attention.

10. Know how to react to a shark encounter: If you do see a shark nearby, maintain eye contact, stay still and keep yourself vertical in the water. Slowly move back to shore while maintaining a steady pace.

11. Know when to fight back: If a shark attacks you, punch it on the nose, gills, or eyes – these are the most sensitive areas. Be aggressive if necessary to prevent further harm.

By following these 12 steps, you can significantly lower your chances of encountering a shark and ensure that your ocean adventures remain enjoyable and safe.