Tips on Staying Safe in the Ocean (Plus How to Deal with Shark Encounter)
life·@hustletoparadise·
0.000 HBDTips on Staying Safe in the Ocean (Plus How to Deal with Shark Encounter)
<html> <p><img src="https://www.hustletoparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Ocean-A.jpg" width="1000" height="667"/></p> <p><em><strong>(photo above: that's me snorkeling at Honolua Bay in Maui, Hawaii)</strong></em></p> <p>Living on Hawaii, we are surrounded by the ocean. Massive Pacific Ocean. So life usually revolves around the oceans, whether it's for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing.</p> <p>But for the 90% of tourists and visitors who come to the islands, usually from mainland cities and towns, the ocean isn't a big part of the daily activity. </p> <p>And not surprisingly, there are always unfortunate ocean accidents that result in death due to drownings.</p> <p><strong>Top activity that causes deaths in Hawaii is "snorkeling".</strong> </p> <p>This is followed by motor vehicle accidents <em>(which is a whole another post that I could talk about with the increased amount of people living in Hawaii, along with too many tourists and lack of space which equals more accidents on the road)</em>.</p> <h2>Why would snorkeling be the main cause of accidental deaths in Hawaii?</h2> <p>Many times, there's a perception amongst people that snorkeling is much more safer than other water sports activities such as surfing or kitesurfing. That snorkeling only involves floating on the surface of the water, with fins, mask, and flippers and for those who are beginner swimmers that may use flotation devices.</p> <p>I believe this perception gives people false sense of security. As well, many people who aren't familiar with ocean safety, think that the ocean is some giant pool. People don't realize the power and force that waves can produce or the power of strong rip currents. </p> <p>As well, there is always negative perception of getting bit by sharks, but the likelihood of that happening is still much less than getting into a serious car accident. I blame Shark Week for instilling the fear that humans have for sharks.</p> <p><img src="https://www.hustletoparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Ocean-B.jpg" width="1000" height="542"/></p> <p><em><strong>(photo above: that's me snorkeling with dolphins at La Perouse Bay in Maui, Hawaii)</strong></em></p> <h2>What are tips to help improve your ocean safety?</h2> <p><strong>1. Observe the Ocean</strong></p> <p>The ocean is constantly changing. When you get to the beach, it's always best to observe what s happening with the ocean that day. What are the wave heights like? Where are people swimming and/or not swimming.</p> <p><strong>2. Don't Turn Your Back to the Ocean</strong></p> <p>This is a long-time advice, that many surfers usually tell people. Don't turn your back to the ocean. When you are in the water, always be sure to look ahead ... you never know if there is a rogue large swell that rolls in and catches you off guard. Many unaware people have been knocked over or washed away because they weren't paying attention.</p> <p><strong>3. Float on Your Back</strong></p> <p>If you find yourself not being able to swim or have those "freak out" moments, simply float on your back as best as possible. That helps calm your nerves as well as allow you to float. If that doesn't work, gently tread in the water with both your arms and legs in "figure 8 or infinity symbol" shape. This helps with keeping your body floating.</p> <p><strong>4. Swim in the Ocean where there is Lifeguard</strong></p> <p>Yes, not all beaches can have lifeguards, but if you aren't an experienced swimmer or aren't comfortable with the open ocean, then be sure to find a beach that has a lifeguard.</p> <p><strong>5. Take Some Swimming Lessons</strong></p> <p>Where ever you live, even if it's not close to the ocean, it still benefits to have one of life's important skills: swimming. It's a basic skill that you'll be able to use at least once in your entire life. Doesn't hurt to learn to swim properly!</p> <p><img src="https://www.hustletoparadise.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Ocean-C.jpg" width="960" height="515"/></p> <p><em><strong>(photo above: that's me surfing at Paia Bay in Maui, Hawaii)</strong></em></p> <h2>What to do if you see a shark?</h2> <p>Now on to the shark part, I've seen many types of shark in the water during my times snorkeling around Hawaii. Majority of the friendly sharks, white-tip reef are harmless to humans, and actually are more scared of humans.</p> <p>The ones that popularly attack tourists here in Hawaii are the tiger sharks, which I've seen once in-person when I was swimming out into the open ocean, and saw the light spots on the back of the shark. That's when you can tell if it's a tiger shark since it has light spots that white-tip reef sharks don't have. The tiger shark I saw was around eight feet, but majority of tiger sharks can range from 6 to 10 feet long, depending on age. That day, it swam I'd say just 10 feet below me ... but luckily, it was swimming around and then away. </p> <p>I had both pure excitement and fear all wrapped together. It was amazing to see the tiger shark in its natural environment, but at the same time, that fear of danger. Luckily, I just floated while I watched and swam away gently.</p> <p><strong>Tips when you encounter a shark:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Always Remain Calm</strong></p> <p>They say that sharks can sense when someone is in fear, so don't give that vibe off. </p> <p><strong>2. Punch the Nose of the Shark</strong></p> <p>There's an age old advice that surfers also have said, is when a shark approaches and looks like they will attack, then punch the shark (nose or back) to scare off the shark. This of course, may or may not work, but is better chance than simply trying to swim away. Remember, sharks swim FAST, so humans can never swim away fast enough.</p> <p>Check out this video of Mick Fanning, Australian surfer who had a close encounter with a shark at a surf competition in South Africa:</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrt27dZ7DOA?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>Hopefully, with these tips learned, more people can enjoy the ocean without fear of accidental drownings or fear of sharks that live in the ocean.</p> <h2>What have been you favorite ocean experiences? Which is your favorite beach?</h2> <p><br></p> <p>_______________________<br> </p> <h1>Follow me <a href="https://steemit.com/@hustletoparadise"><strong>@hustletoparadise</strong></a> </h1> <p>to stay up to date on my <strong>travels around the world</strong>!</p> </html>