SAFETY ALERT:

CROCODILE SEEN IN THE SAN BLAS REMINDS US TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT.

There are two marine predators I am weary of while swimming in our cruising grounds: crocodiles and sharks …. particularly in murky water.ย  According to an American Lifeguard Association expert and marine biologists, neither sharks nor crocodiles are targeting humans. ย Having said that, incidents are not necessarily flukes either. ย In fact, there are some things that people can do to be more safe in their salty territory.

Learning from the past we must remember that last season there were a few injuries and fatal incidents involving crocodiles in Melaque and Zihuatenejo, Mexico, in Gulfo Dulce, Costa Rica, and the northside of Panama.ย  One incident in San Blas last year involved a dog getting killed by a croc.ย  It is said that locals later found and killed it.ย  Many croc stories are shared through the grapevine so while one cannot be certain of the exact details, one can remember to use caution.ย  While this is not to say the waters are rife with danger, it is to say, Go with caution, eyes wide open.ย  Recently, SV ZORBA saw a large crocodile in the San Blas and shared a picture of the croc and its location so that other mariners in the area can be aware of its presence.

estimate: 7 feet

Taylor Cunningham, a marine biologist and shark conservationist says, “People need to understand that the ocean is home to an abundance of wildlife, not just sharks (or crocs).ย  By entering the ocean, we are taking on the responsibility of entering their home. So, it is also our responsibility to be aware of our effects on the ocean and how that wildlife or conditions can affect us.”

In this article:ย https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/how-to-stay-safe-from-sharks-while-swimmingย there are may good recommendations for staying safe in the water. ย Headlines include:

  • Research local shark and crocodile patterns. ย Certain species will feed in particular areas, during particular times of day, or they may breed during certain times of year in a specific location. ย It is always good to get to know an area from locals.
  • The more clear the water, the better for seeing the animals you are swimming with. ย Locals up and down the pacific coast from Mexico to Panama have always cautioned us from swimming in murky waters near the mouth of estuaries.
  • Bring a mask and fins on long swims. ย These tools allow humans to be stronger underwater than without them.
  • Leave the white bikini at home. ย Sharks have monochromatic vision and some experts advise that bright colors that stand out from the ocean blues attract attention like fish on a reef.
  • Don’t worry if you have a cut โ€” sharks don’t react to human blood. ย However, sharks are said to have very sensitive nerves throughout their heads and can sense fear…so it is important to stay cool underwater.
  • Act like a predator by constantly checking your surroundings. ย Sharks are known to attack their prey from the blind spot of the prey. ย Continually checking your surroundings underwater eliminates your blind spot. ย When swimming in pairs, watching one another and your surroundings together can eliminate blind spots as well.
  • Make eye contact if you see a shark.ย ย Show the shark that you are aware of them by making eye contact. ย Continue to look around. ย Stay calm and back away. ย Do not turn your back on a shark.
  • Create space between you and the shark. ย 
  • Slowly back away after you’ve made eye contact, but avoid splashing and making noise. ย Both sharks and crocodiles are attracted to splashing
  • Note the animals body language.
  • Remember that sharks swim by and ignore people all the time.
  • Above all, don’t panic.