• Stay calm and back away slowly to avoid sudden movements that might attract the shark’s attention. With Shark Alerts On The Rise, knowing how to react is more crucial than ever.
• Keep steady eye contact to show confidence and discourage the shark from approaching. Shark Alerts On The Rise have highlighted the need for such precautions.
• If necessary, gently push down on the shark’s head as a last resort to safely encourage it to move away.

The summer of 2025 is already making waves as one of the busiest seasons for shark sightings along coastlines worldwide. With more people spotting fins near the shore than ever before, beachgoers are understandably on edge. As shark encounters rise, experts stress the importance of knowing how to stay safe in the water. Shark Alerts On The Rise calls for heightened vigilance among beachgoers. Marine biologist Andriana Fragola, a seasoned shark diver, shares her essential tips on what to do if you spot a shark nearby—advice that could make all the difference between fear and safety.

What to Do if You Spot a Shark in the Water: Expert Advice from a Shark Diver

Imagine you’re enjoying a sunny day at the beach or swimming in the ocean when suddenly, you catch sight of a fin slicing through the water nearby. For many, this instant sparks a rush of fear and panic — but according to Andriana Fragola, a marine biologist and experienced shark diver, staying calm is your best weapon amid Shark Alerts On The Rise.

Stay Calm and Move Slowly to Avoid Drawing Attention

Fragola, who has spent thousands of hours diving alongside some of the ocean’s most impressive sharks, knows firsthand that most shark encounters are far less dramatic than the movies suggest. When you spot a shark, the instinct may be to scream, splash, or bolt toward shore, but those reactions actually make things worse. Sharks can detect vibrations in the water, and frantic movements could draw unwanted attention, increasing the chance that the animal will investigate you further.

Her top advice? “Stay calm,” she says firmly. “If you want to get out of the water, back away slowly and steadily. This lets you keep your eyes on the shark while minimizing sudden movements that could provoke curiosity or aggression.”

Use Eye Contact to Show Confidence and Keep Control

Keeping your composure doesn’t just help you avoid alarming the shark — it also gives you a better chance to read its behavior. Sharks are curious creatures, and often they just want to check out what’s going on without posing a threat. Standing still or moving slowly shows you’re not a prey animal thrashing about in distress.

Eye contact plays a crucial role, too. Fragola urges swimmers to “look like a predator” rather than prey. “You want to hold your ground and make sure the shark knows you see it,” she explains. “Keep eye contact and watch your surroundings for other sharks. This signals confidence and awareness, which can discourage the shark from approaching too closely.”

Last-Resort Moves: How to Push a Shark Away Safely

If a shark does continue to come toward you, Fragola suggests a last-resort move: gently pushing down on the top of its head to encourage it to back off. She stresses this is only if necessary, as sharks are powerful animals and this action requires caution.

Transform Fear into Respect: Knowledge is Key

For most people, a shark sighting can feel like a terrifying ordeal, but Fragola’s experience paints a different picture — one where knowledge and respect transform fear into awe. Understanding how sharks behave and knowing how to respond calmly could turn a frightening encounter into a safe and unforgettable moment in the water.

So next time you see a fin cutting through the waves, remember: don’t panic. Stay calm, back away slowly, hold your ground with steady eyes, and respect the ocean’s top predators. It’s not just smart — it could save your life.