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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, September 29, 2004

What are the chances?

 •  Chart: You're more likely to die in a car crash than in jaws of a shark

Advertiser Staff

1. Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don't move too far away from assistance.

2. Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night, when some species of sharks move inshore to feed.

3. Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect even small amounts of blood and body fluids.

4. Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels or steep drop-offs. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks.

Shark week

Sunday: Real-life encounters

Monday: Shark quiz

Tuesday: The Hawaiian culture

Today: Shark-attack odds

Thursday: The media influence

Friday: The truth about sharks

5. Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast well.

6. Refrain from excessive splashing. Keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.

7. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.

8. If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Be alert to the presence of dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks.

9. Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.

10. Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards and follow their advice.