Macaw_Lover
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There are sharks in the Caribbean yes. The chances are so slim of this happening, they say you have a greater chance to get hit by lighting (also not a pleasant thought!) The one thing to remember with the ocean is that it isn't a swimming pool and you don't need to go in with a major fear. I would just suggest maybe reading these tips and then don't worry from there! Just have a great time. Otherwise if that fear is still there you could also just opt for your kids to use the swimming pool.
I know this isn't part of the question, but I would consider Punta Cana over Puerto Plata if you haven't already made your reservations.
Tips for Avoiding Attack
Stay out of the water at night, dusk, or dawn. Sharks are most active at night.
Swim in a group. Sharks prefer to attack lone victims.
Keep close to shore. It will be easier for help to reach you in an attack.
Avoid sandbars and sharp drop-offs where fish congregate.
Stay out of polluted or murky water.
Avoid areas being used by fishermen.
Be wary of feeding birds, or porpoises, which indicate the presence of fish.
Do not swim if you are bleeding. Sharks can detect tiny amounts of blood.
Do not wear shiny jewelry; underwater it resembles fish scales.
Avoid bright swimsuits and uneven tanning. Contrasts attract sharks.
Do not splash a lot, since it attracts sharks.
Keep pets out of the water. Erratic movements attract sharks.
Never try to touch any type of shark.
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What Are My Chances of an Attack?
In the U.S., your chances of getting killed by lightning are 30 times greater than dying of a shark attack.
Bees, wasps, and snakes kill more people each year than sharks.
Drowning, heart attacks, beach accidents resulting in spinal injury, sunburn, cuts from stepping on sea shells, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and traffic accidents going to or from the beach are all far more common than shark attacks.
In 1996 in the U.S. there were 18 reported injuries and deaths from shark attacks, but 198,849 injuries from working with screws, nails, tacks, and bolts; 138,894 injuries from ladders; 43,687 injuries from toilets; and 36,091 injuries while pruning, trimming, or edging plants.
Between 1959 and 1990, 5,528 people were stuck by lightning in the 22 coastal states (excluding Alaska) and Puerto Rico, with 1,505 fatalities. During the same period, there were 336 shark attacks in the coastal waters of those states, with 12 fatalities.
In 1987, New York City reported the following number of people bitten by dogs: 8,064; other people, 1,587; cats, 802; rats, 291; squirrels, 95, raccoons, 11; ferrets, 7; skunk, 3. There were 13 shark injuries reported nationwide the same year |
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