Shark attack survival guide

Surfer Mick Fanning was certainly in great danger during the shark attack. An adult shark can easily bite off an arm or leg. Still, the risk of actually being bitten by a shark are minimal. You've got a much bigger change of being killed by an elephant, struck by lightning or dispatched by a rogue coconut. Last year, sharks attacked 72 people in unprovoked incidents. Three of them were killed.

But, if you, like Fanning, happen to be one of the unlucky few to have an unfriendly encounter with a shark, it is important to know what to do. Dr. Alison Kock, a shark expert from Cape Town has been studying the predatory behavior of these fish for more than 15 years and has recommendations on how to avoid an attack:

1. No two attacks are the same. "Whether a shark will attack, depends on the situation. We are not able to predict it," explains Kock, "It can depend on the species of shark, size of shark, the visibility under water, the temperature or many other factors."

More than 97 percent of attacks worldwide take place along the U.S. East Coast and in the waters of Australia, South Africa and Hawaii. The safest way to avoid a shark attack? Don't jump into the water in those regions. On the other hand: Who would want to skip a refreshing swim?

2. If you are already enjoying a swim in the water and see a shark, there's a good chance that one can get out of that situation unscathed: "Sharks usually attack with high speed from below. If you see a shark at the surface, it can only mean, that he has not decided to attack, yet," the marine biologist says.

The best thing for a surfer to do in this situation is to get on the surfboard and paddle slowly back to the coast. "It is important to keep your eyes on the animal. Sharks know when they are being watched and will be more cautious." If you have no surfboard at hand, swim calmly but quickly back to shore, while keeping an eye on the animal.

3. Mick Fanning was unable to retreat, as the shark had gotten caught up in the line that secures a surfer's ankle to his or her surfboard. "In this situation he reacted just right: Make yourself big, watch the shark, try to bring the surf board between you and the shark and swim towards the coast," says Kock. If the shark does not attack by itself, you should not attack either as this could antagonize it.

4. If the predator comes too close for comfort, Kock recommends giving it a strong, sharp whack on the eyes or gills. "This is the most sensitive and effective area to deter a shark. In some cases it has caused the shark to move away, and when the shark gets that close one has few options."

5. The worst possible way to react in case of a shark attack is to do nothing. The shark may become curious and take a "test bite." If an adult great white decides to have a nibble, it could cost you an arm or a leg, making the swim back to the coast all the more difficult.