Diver's video reveals what not to do when you see a shark
Ever wondered what to do when faced with a shark?
A diver swimming in Hawaii has demonstrated how to safely negotiate with a tiger shark in the hope of educating other swimmers.
Kayleigh Grant recorded the footage shared on social media of fellow diver Andriana Fragola being approached by the tiger shark in Oahu.
"Splashing and swimming away imitates what prey does. When we’re dealing with top predators like sharks, we want to also act like predators," she said in the voiceover.
"What you’d actually want to do is not splash, turn around and face the animal, and maintain eye contact.
"With tiger sharks, you can place your hand on top of their head, push down gently and that will redirect them away from you."
People uneasy with advice on confronting the shark
Many watching felt "nervous" and couldn't believe what was being shown to them.
"That shark is a paid actor," one person jokingly said.
"Results may vary" someone else said.
"But what if it’s swimming at you at full speed," another viewer said.
However, Ms Grant, who owns a diving company with her husband, stressed that despite their intimidating presence, sharks "typically want nothing to do with humans" and are "not the man eating monsters media portrays".
"Just like bears and other predators we are taught to maintain eye contact, yell, get large, back away slowly… it’s the same with sharks!" she said in the TikTok caption.
Part of her work involves educating people about shark conservation and the "beauty" of our marine life.
"Isn’t it amazing that sharks can be swam with safely so easily? (Of course always go with a trained professional)," she said in her Instagram caption.
"People always DM me and ask, 'why aren’t they attacking you?' Which shows me we still have a long way to go and many people to convince… but we are up for the challenge."
While many viewers said they'd rather "stay out of the ocean", there were also those who shared Ms Grant's wonder for the sea and its wildlife.
"This has gotta be one of the most amazing feelings in the world," one person said.
"This is one of the most impressive things ever!" said another.
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