How to avoid being eaten by a shark

A Hawaiian's tried-and-true advice for avoiding a shark attack

Swimming with sharks.
(Image credit: Image Source / Alamy Stock Photo)

"Fish are friends, not food." So goes the mantra recited by a handful of sharks in Finding Nemo. Wanting to swear off fish forever, the sharks make a 12-step-like attempt to overcome their natural impulse to predation. "Fish are friends, not food."

My daughter found this scene hilarious. She was raised as a surfer here in Hawaii. She loves sharks. She knows their nature. She is not afraid of them. She and I plunge into the water as often as we can. Sometimes we see sharks; sometimes we don't. But we're never really afraid. And I don't want anyone else to fear them, either.

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Leslie Turnbull

Leslie Turnbull is a Harvard-educated anthropologist with over 20 years' experience as a development officer and consultant. She cares for three children, two dogs, and one husband. When not sticking her nose into other peoples' business, she enjoys surfing, cooking, and writing (often bad) poetry.