Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach, shares essential shark safety tips and emphasizes the importance of remaining calm during encounters.

According to Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach, sharks act aggressively when they perceive a threat from humans.

"If an animal feels threatened, it will act aggressively," Lowe explains. "Think of a cat being chased down an alley; it will arch its back and raise its fur to scare off the perceived threat."

Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

The Shark Lab's research has shown that sharks in Southern California are often present near swimmers but generally ignore them.

"Many people spot sharks in Southern California because the sharks are intentionally making their presence known, swimming directly in front of individuals," says Lowe. "Often, they are shy and coy."

Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

"However, we have also observed sharks completely ignoring people at the surface," he adds.

If you spot a shark, maintain eye contact and track its movements.

Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

"Let the shark know that you see it," Lowe advises. "If you're in the water, follow the shark's movements; it knows where your head and eyes are."

On a surfboard, orient your board towards the shark. The board's head mimics the head of an animal, making the shark feel observed.

Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

An aggressive shark may display erratic behavior. "What an aggressive shark looks like is rapidly coming in and then zipping away, circling closer and closer," Lowe explains.

Conversely, a slow-moving shark may be simply curious, not aggressive. However, increased speed could indicate aggression.

Stay Safe in Shark-Infested Waters: Expert Advice from California Shark Research Center

If a shark appears aggressive, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.

"Always face the shark and swim away without making sudden movements," Lowe advises. "Once out of the water, notify lifeguards and inform others about the encounter."

The Shark Lab at Cal State University (CSU) Long Beach actively researches shark behavior to educate the public. They employ various outreach programs:

"Shark Shacks" are pop-up events at Southern California beaches, providing information about shark activity.

The "Sharks at the Beach" open house invites the community to visit the Shark Lab and learn about sharks.