Chris Lowe, the director of the Shark Lab at Cal State University Long Beach, shared tips on how to stay safe and not panic if encountering a shark at the beach. He emphasized the importance of not threatening the shark, as they will act aggressively in response to feeling threatened. Most sharks in Southern California largely ignore humans and are often shy and coy. Lowe advised beachgoers to keep their eyes on the shark if spotted, as it may feel being watched.
If on a surfboard, turning it towards the shark can help make it feel like it’s being watched. Losing track of the shark means it’s likely stalking you, so it’s essential to check behind you. An aggressive shark can be identified by its rapid movements coming in and zipping away, while a curious and non-aggressive shark may swim slowly. Lowe explained that shark aggression is usually due to defensive reasons or when protecting a food source nearby. If a shark starts acting aggressively, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
The Shark Lab at Cal State University Long Beach conducts research on shark behavior to inform the public. Lowe mentioned that the center connects with the public through initiatives like Shark Shacks, which are pop-ups at various beaches in Southern California during the summer. They also host Shark Awareness events like Sharks at the Beach, offering the community an opportunity to visit the Shark Lab. Through these efforts, the Shark Lab aims to educate and engage the public on how to stay safe around sharks and understand their behavior.
Lowe stressed the importance of not panicking if encountering a shark at the beach. He explained that sharks in Southern California are often around swimmers and tend to ignore or swim right in front of people. Keeping calm and understanding shark behavior can help prevent any aggressive interactions. Lowe advised beachgoers to keep their eyes on the shark, turn their surfboard towards it, and always face the shark while moving away slowly if it starts behaving aggressively. Notifying lifeguards and others in the water if seeing an aggressive shark is crucial for everyone’s safety.
Shark aggression can be linked to defensive reasons or when protecting a nearby food source. Lowe mentioned that aggressive shark behavior involves rapid movements towards and away from a person or circling around them. If a shark starts picking up speed, it’s usually associated with aggression. Education and awareness about shark behavior can help beachgoers differentiate between curious sharks and aggressive ones, enabling them to respond appropriately in such situations. The Shark Lab’s research efforts focus on understanding shark behavior to promote coexistence between sharks and humans at beaches in Southern California.
Through various public engagement initiatives like Shark Shacks and Sharks at the Beach events, the Shark Lab at Cal State University Long Beach works to raise awareness and educate the community on how to safely interact with sharks. These events provide opportunities for beachgoers to learn more about shark behavior, safety tips, and how to respond if encountering a shark at the beach. By fostering a better understanding of sharks and equipping the public with knowledge and resources, the Shark Lab aims to create a safer environment for both sharks and beachgoers during the summer season.