On Aug. 27, Jeff Yehling was surfing off San Onofre State Beach and reported the following to Pacific Coast Shark News:
“I was on my surfboard when I observed two sharks just cruising around right in and around the surf line. I first noticed them slowly moving just below the surface and then noticed a fin slowly moving above the surface.”
Yehling reportedly spoke with other surfers who saw the pair of sharks. All were convinced the fins were those of great whites.
Noted shark expert Patric Douglas said shark attacks are often horrific and tragic—and usually avoidable.
“There is a great white off Newport or Huntington Beach right now that has made several passes on a group of surfers and passed on the opportunity,” Douglas said.
The reality is that shark attacks are extremely rare, but by exercising sound judgment, you can reduce those chances even further. “I have seen firsthand what a 16-foot white shark can do to a 100-pound bluefin tuna, and it isn’t pretty,” Douglas said. “It’s all about respecting the beast.”
For those who choose to enter the great white’s world, here are some more ways to avoid a shark attack:
- Do not go in the water at dawn or dusk; everything is in the shark’s favor. Shark attacks around midday are very rare.
- Avoid large groups of seals or sea lions, or if you see these creatures on the beach or near the shoreline, beware.
- If you are bleeding, including menstruating, stay out of the water.
- Stay clear of fishing boats.
- The murkier the water, the easier it is for a shark to sense you without your seeing the shark. Shark attacks are less likely to occur when the water is clear.
- Leave the water quickly and calmly if a shark is sighted. Avoid excessive splashing or arm and leg movement.
- Stay in a group; most sharks attack individuals.