ESCAPING SHARKS

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33665, 15 October 1974, Page 30

ESCAPING SHARKS

“Breaststroke best” (N.Z. Press Assn —Copyright) CANBERRA. Swimmers attacked by sharks have a better chance of survival if they try to escape by using breaststroke rather than other swimming styles. The theory appears in the monthly magazine “Australian Fisheries”, published by the fisheries division of the Australian Department of Agriculture. The article draws on research done by an American biologist, Mr Peter Klimley. Mr Klimley is quoted as saying: “Preliminary experiments in which sounds produced by different styles of swimming were played back to sharks indicate that breaststroke is the least attractive (to the shark). “Taking into consideration such information, the swimmer confronted by a shark should swim both as quietly and as rhythmically as possible.”

Apart from the breaststroke theory, sharks might stay away if divers and swimmers adopted a "submissive” posture indicating no challenge, according to Mr Klimley. He also suggests that most shark attacks are not necessarily caused by hunger. The biologist refers to attacks in which the victim has lost little flesh, and concludes that, although there is some evidence to suggest that some attacks are motivated by hunger, in other cases this was not the reason. “It seems likely one of the most powerful triggers of attack behaviour in predators is abrupt flight of the prey.” There is evidence, he says, supporting the theory that sharks attack to defend an area. Quoting reports from other American researchers the magazine says that in a few cases where attack sequences have been filmed, a characteristic pose was adopted by the shark immediately before the attack. The pose or “display” is similar to the stance adopted by a eat preparing itself against attack by a dog.

Lower Hutt Mayor.—Mr J. Kennedy-Good has been reelected Mayor of Lower Hutt with an increased majority. Mr G. Gee has been re-elected Mayor of Petone and Mr C. Bishop Mayor of Eastbourne. Mrs D. Nicholson was returned unopposed as Mayor of Upper Hutt.—(P.A.)