The world is mourning two fatal shark attacks over the weekend.
A surfer in Australia and a doctor in the South Pacific were killed in "horrific" shark attacks over the weekend.
The doctor, 55, was killed while wind surfing. He was on vacation in New Caledonia with his family, The Sun reports.
The man was wind surfing on a popular beach when he was seen fighting a creature in the ocean. He ultimately sustained major injuries to his arms and legs, that proved to be fatal. He was later found dead in a nearby lagoon by some sailors.
"A man lost his life after a shark attack, in the area of the Château Royal beach, in Nouméa," said the Nouvelle-Caladonie Prevention Requin on social media.
"Avoid swimming at certain times of day," wrote New Caledonia's travel and tourism website, "such as dawn, dusk, or after heavy rainfall, when water visibility is low and sharks are more likely to be hunting.”
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In the wake of these shark attacks, a "warning" has been issued for anyone considering ocean sports:
- Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating-a shark's ability to smell blood is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing-especially if there are signs of baitfishes or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on baitfishes, are good indicators of such activity.
- While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins does not indicate the absence of sharks-both often eat the same foods.
- Use extra caution when waters are murky.
- Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
- Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark's attention.
- Do not allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
- Be careful when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs-these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
- Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
- Never harass a shark!
Stay safe, everyone.