As Shark Week kicks off, wildlife biologist and TV host Forrest Galante is sharing simple tips to minimize the risk of shark encounters. Galante, who hosts the upcoming Discovery special ‘Alien Sharks: Untamed America,’ stresses that while shark attacks are rare, taking common-sense precautions can reduce the already slim chances of a negative encounter.

Safety Tips from a Shark Expert

Galante advises beachgoers to educate themselves on the species of sharks in the area and to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active. He also recommends avoiding river mouths, where sharks may be feeding, and not swimming alone. Additionally, Galante suggests being mindful of one’s surroundings and avoiding areas with fishing activity or where people are throwing bait into the water.

Galante notes that sharks are curious predators and may investigate sounds or shiny objects that resemble food. He warns against wearing highly reflective jewelry or clothing that could attract a shark’s attention. The wildlife biologist also cautions against making loud noises, such as crushing a beer can, which can sound like the crunching of fish bones to a shark.

By taking these simple precautions, beachgoers can enjoy the water while minimizing their risk of a shark encounter. Galante’s Shark Week special, ‘Alien Sharks: Untamed America,’ premieres on Discovery and Max, showcasing some of the strangest and least-known shark species in American waters.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.