When not to deter a shark🦈 #shark #safety #sharkconservation #hawaii #1

News ! My pro course online modules release soon! →An approach from a shark rarely requires a physical redirection, and over time, one can develop a plethera of techniques to further dissuade a shark from continuing to approach; however it is wiser, safer, and synonymously, more respectful to always be ready to "respectfully redirect." A few of the things one can do to avoid needing to physically redirect a shark away from their body: • Constantly turn or swim in different directions (sharks tend to approach prey from behind, so making that unclear can make them hesitate). • Turn and face them if they line up with you, then swim toward them. Moving at them quietly (without splashing) mimics a behavioral swim pattern I call "interception," (think of it like a game of "chicken") and most sharks— being nonconfrontational—will change course. The most dominant individuals and some curious juveniles may still hold their course on the first or subsequent approaches depending on factors like your follow-up behavior and time. • Minimize noise/splashing •Position yourself upright (vertical). • Appear as large as possible Respectable professional shark safety divers have a responsibility to redirect sharks' attention away from the less experienced divers they are guiding in their care, so over time, they should learn more about the behaviors that help them dissuade an approach from a distance (including our own body positioning and swim patterns relative to others.) While we love to share rare moments of physical connection (and it is imperative that a professional dive guide practice a diversity of techniques for responding to closer or more intense interactions), these types of interactions are very rare. It is my hope that more people will support shark conservation, and I know that is much more likely to happen from people who have had a positive experience with sharks, so go with responsible and respectful professional guides (like those @oneoceandiving )