Shark Accidents, Shark Bites, Shark Accidents And Shark Encounters
Christopher Neff of the University of Sydney in Australia pens an interesting commentary on the phrase “shark attack”. He makes a case that use of such language leads to inaccurate perceptions of threatened shark species.He reminds us that “shark accident” was an accepted term until the 1930s, even if it was fatal. He writes, “The phrase “shark attack” is sensationalist and damaging.
The argument for change is compelling. Modern research has shown that bites by sharks are often investigatory or defensive, taking place in cloudy water and out of curiosity.”
Because a majority of shark-human encounters are never actually witnessed by the swimmer (our assumption), we believe Christopher makes an excellent point based on the reality of shark’s intentions and actions. Additionally, when swimmers in the water actually sight a shark in close proximity, a vast majority of cases never result in a shark bite or shark encounter (defined as the actual physical contact between shark and human).
Read Christopher’s commentary and plea here.
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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