Adapted from The Shark Almanac by Thomas B. Allen

If you want to avoid sharks, follow these rules, based primarily on the findings of George W. Burgess, director of the International Shark File:

Always stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.

Do not wander too far from shore. This isolates you and puts you far away from help.

Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and can see you while you cannot see them.

If you sight a large shark, leave the water as soon as possible swimming smoothly to avoid exciting the shark. If diving, keep submerged and watch the shark until you can quickly surface and get out of the water.

Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating.

Do not wear shiny jewelry; the reflected light resembles the sheet of fish scales.

If you wear a black wet suit, remember that it may make you look like a seal and increases the probability of attack by white sharks. Surfboards that contrast with the water surface from below may be more attractive to sharks, as well.

If you are spearfishing, do not carry speared fish on your person or on a stringer or tether; get the fish out of the water as soon as possible.

Avoid waters near sewage discharges (feces and urine may be shark attractants) or waters being used by sport or commercial fishermen, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.

If fishes begin to behave erratically or congregate in unusual numbers, leave the water.

Do not believe that sightings of porpoises indicate the absence of sharks. Both often eat the same prey.

Use extra caution when waters are murky.

Remember that uneven tanning and bright colored bathing suits can attract sharks. They can see contrast particularly well.

Don't splash around while wading; try not to splash while swimming.

Do not swim with dogs. Their erratic movements may attract sharks.

Be careful in waters between sandbars or near steep drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks.

Get out of the water if sharks are seen — or if sharks are known to frequent the area. For instance, in California, white shark attacks have repeatedly occurred in the same small areas favored by these sharks.