A surfer and photographer, Mike Coots, who experienced a shark attack himself as a teenager, has shared valuable insights on how to avoid shark attacks. In 1997, while bodyboarding in Kauai, Hawaii, he lost his right leg at the calf after being bitten by a tiger shark. Despite the severity of the attack, Coots did not develop a fear of sharks. Instead, he became a shark conservationist and dedicated his life to capturing captivating photographs of these mesmerising creatures.
After swimming with sharks for the past twenty years, Coots has learned important dos and don’ts when encountering them underwater. He advises maintaining clear visibility and making eye contact with sharks. By letting the sharks know that you are aware of their presence, it becomes safer as they are ambush predators. Coots explains, “The safest way to be underwater with sharks is to have clear visibility and lots of eye contact with sharks. They are ambush predators and if they know you know they are there, it’s much safer.”
Coots recently released a stunning photo book titled ‘Shark: Portraits’ that features captivating images of sharks. In this publication, he shares valuable advice for photographers who may get distracted by their cameras while trying to capture shark photographs. Coots warns against being too engrossed in the camera viewfinder, which makes them unaware of their surroundings, especially when multiple sharks are present.
Coots also shares insights on when sharks are most likely to attack. He mentions that sharks can be provoked by “murky water” or when someone is splashing and resembles an injured animal. He advises against panicking, splashing, and suggests always maintaining eye contact with the shark to make oneself appear larger. Furthermore, he emphasizes never turning one’s back on a shark and provides red flags that indicate a shark’s intent to attack, such as dropping their pectoral fins, arching their bodies, and swimming erratically.
Contrary to popular belief, Coots asserts that sharks do not actively hunt humans. He believes that the fear of sharks among humans is largely influenced by Hollywood films like “Jaws” from 1974 and media coverage. He aims to dispel these misconceptions through his work and hopes that his new photo book showcases a different side of sharks. Coots states, “Sharks are misunderstood, gorgeous as a subject, and needed in our seas for a healthy planet.”
In conclusion, Mike Coots, a shark attack survivor turned conservationist and photographer, shares his knowledge on how to avoid shark attacks based on his personal experiences. His insights provide valuable guidance for those encountering sharks and photographers aiming to capture stunning images. Through his work, Coots aims to change the negative perception of sharks and highlight their importance in the marine ecosystem.
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