Shark sightings aren’t always a reason to panic
I always assumed I would be frightened of sharks. I get startled by shark-shaped shadows in the mostly shark-free waters around the British coast.
I was therefore surprised by my excitement and lack of fear when I encountered sharks for the first time in the wild.
It helped that the two types of sharks I encountered – black-tip reef sharks and nurse sharks – are generally considered low-risk to people when left alone. Still, they are big, powerful fish and look intimidating.
I had my first swim with sharks while on a swimming holiday with SwimQuest in the Maldives. I spotted a black-tip reef shark circling our boat.
The framing was important. We’d anchored in a spot known for its sharks. Rather than dreading their appearance, we were looking out for them. When I spotted the shark, my immediate (and unexpected) reaction was, “I want to get in the water”. So, after checking with the boat master that it was safe and appropriate, I did.
In Jaws, the great white attacks at speed, often from below. Reef sharks can move fast too. But this one was in a leisurely mood. It paid me no heed as it swam slowly beneath me. As it circled, I dived for a closer look. This wasn’t bravery or foolishness. I felt safe. I knew I was in the shark’s world, but I was only there to look and take pictures.
Under the water, I realised the shark wasn’t alone. Deeper down, I spotted several more, of varying sizes. I must admit, this provoked a moment of uncertainty – perhaps anxiety. I couldn’t see all the way to the seabed. How many more of these sharks were down there? And what if they were more dangerous than I’d been told?
At the same time, I was fascinated. I loved watching them move. They were graceful, effortless and beautiful, and minding their own business. It was quickly apparent that they were going about their daily lives and didn’t consider me as either a threat or prey. Still, I kept my distance and moved slowly and predictably. I didn’t want to do anything to alarm them.
Later in the week, I swam with nurse sharks. On one occasion, a group of them circled us, as if checking us out. We paused to admire them. They must have decided we were no cause for concern as they then drifted to the bottom, curled up together and went to sleep.
Of course, not all shark species are harmless to humans. Take local advice and make sure you know what you’re swimming with. And remember that all sharks are wild animals, may react unpredictably and can bite or strike you. Keep your distance. Don’t attempt to touch or feed them. Stay calm and watch from a distance.
Swimming with sharks was a treat and an unexpected highlight of my trip. I never imagined it would be something I might do without feeling fear. But I encourage all swimmers to look out for and embrace new experiences, and try to do the same myself. Swimming with sharks has given me a new appreciation of these amazing but often-maligned predators. And I’ve learned that not all shark sightings are a reason to panic.
