What to do during a Shark Encounter

Cris Lopez
octubre 20, 2025

SHARK ENCOUNTER

Coming face-to-face with a shark can be one of the ocean’s most thrilling and memorable experiences. Far from being a cause for fear, these encounters offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the crucial role sharks play in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. However, it’s essential to know how to act with respect and caution. For your safety and the animal’s well-being, Saving our Sharks Foundation shares you this valuable information:

Best Practices for a Shark Encounter: One of the Ocean’s Most Unforgettable Experiences

Before Entering the Water

Never swim alone: Being in a group increases safety and allows for a better response in case of an emergency.
Listen to your body: If you feel tired, hungry, or unwell, postpone your activity. The ocean will always be there.
Observe sea conditions before entering the water. Take note of the weather, wind direction, and currents. These factors can change rapidly and affect your ability to swim.
Always use a visible safety buoy: It not only allows you to rest but also makes it easier for boats or people on shore to spot you.
If swimming in a group, designate someone to take a photo at the beginning and end of the activity and record entries and exits. These small habits can make a big difference in collective safety.
Respect all signage, including buoys that mark safe zones and beach warning flags.
Never enter the ocean under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that could impair your reflexes or judgment.

Responsible Behavior in the Water

Avoid wearing jewelry or shiny accessories, as they may attract unwanted attention from marine life.
When observing marine animals, do not chase or approach them. Simply enjoy the moment and observe from a respectful distance.
Take photos without flash to avoid stressing the animals or drawing unnecessary attention.

Emergency Swimming Signals

Knowing universal water signals can save lives:

I’m okay: Fist on top of your head
I need help: Arm raised with a closed fist
I’m tired: Open hand on top of your head
Regroup: Move your hand in a circular motion
Move forward: Point arm in the desired direction
Everyone out: Wave both arms, signaling toward shore
I’m exhausted / I can’t continue: Open hand at neck level, moving it back and forth

In Case of Emergency

Always have the contact information for local emergency services readily available:
Red Cross, Public Safety, Civil Protection, PROFEPA, CONANP, the Navy (SEMAR), and the Local Harbor Contact.

Shark Encounter Moment

If you encounter a shark near the shore, exit the water slowly and calmly, without making sudden movements. Respect its space—it’s their home too.
If you are far from shore, stay calm and keep the shark in sight at all times, ideally facing it. Do not lose visual contact.
Avoid sudden movements, splashing, or kicking, as these can seem aggressive or confusing to the shark. Also, do not yell or make loud noises.
Maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters (33 feet) from the shark.
If you’re in a feeding zone, swim slowly away from the school of fish and avoid disrupting the shark’s natural behavior. Sharks often feed on weak or sick fish, playing a key role in maintaining ecosystem health.

After the Sighting

Your experience can contribute to conservation efforts.
Report your sighting using the Shark, Ray, and Marine Megafauna Sighting Form from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). Being an active participant in marine conservation is a powerful way to give back to the ocean.