New Swim Speed Record...

[Cheering472]

OMG!!! I've only been worrying if you'd all be safe from Dean. Scary, glad you were all safe. By the way...Bad bdarg, safety first, science later.

 

[Lady D]

I've never been so panic-stricken and I've never moved so fast (even though it felt like I was getting nowhere fast). I must admit that this was a first for me (all of us!). Never until today have I had the "get back on shore, there is a shark" signal from the folks on shore. and we were having SUCH funn out there!!! the water was as clear as I've ever seen it.

the dang shark kept circling back and eventually everyone cleared out from the gulf.

Tootsie, what time of the afternoon was it? I've read to avoid the water early morning and at dusk as for swimming and risk for sharks. I figured middle of the day would be safe.

 

[kathydwells]

Geez, all the excitement happens when I'm not around. Glad you all are ok!!!!!

 

[Teresa]

Tootsie, what time of the afternoon was it? I've read to avoid the water early morning and at dusk as for swimming and risk for sharks. I figured middle of the day would be safe.

it was around 2:00 pm. and gorgeous!

 

[seacrestkristi]

Remain calm and haul a$$ :leaving: I bet that's easier said than done!!!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Tootsie, what time of the afternoon was it? I've read to avoid the water early morning and at dusk as for swimming and risk for sharks. I figured middle of the day would be safe.

bad math. The girl who was killed by the shark in Miramar, and the boy who was bitten during the same week on Cape San Blas (or somewhere in that area) were both bitten around 11am. Most reports of people seeing sharks around here tend to be between 11am-2:00pm and that is also when most people see Sea Turtles and Dolphins. Maybe it's lunch time in the marine world.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Remain calm and haul a$$ :leaving: I bet that's easier said than done!!!

It rarely happens on the first occasion. Personally, I think it is easier to remain calm if you see the shark and know what you are dealing with, rather than having people freak out and yelling, "shark!, and he's coming at you!" When that is the case, instantly, a million thoughts go through your mind. Panic! I wonder if it is a HUGE 14' Mako shark? Maybe it is just a small shark. Maybe they just saw a fin of a porpoise. Maybe they saw a Cobia. I would look rather foolish if I didn't come to shore to see how big the shark was and ended up being eaten.

The newspaper reports, "the man appeared to remain calm and peaceful, until the shark took the first bite." (CHOMP)

On my first "Shark" encounter, it swam a few feet in front of me. I was at the far edge of the first sandbar, fishing in waist to chest-deep water, and I think it took me about 10 minutes to run to shore. I was completely exhausted and nearly collapsed when I hit dry sand. Then, it hit me -- that was probably one of those Cobias which everyone talks about trying to catch. Damn!

My second encounter, only a few weeks later was much more peaceful and it was a shark, about a 7' Black Tip, which swam parallel with the curl of a small wave, only 15' in front of me. Again, I was fishing and a pregnant lady had walked out close by and she was just relaxing in the water. The shark swam by her first and she never said a word, and never flinched. I don't think she saw the shark, and no way in hell was I going to ruin her day, so I did nothing, other than watch the shark pass, with my heart rate slightly increased. Suddenly, I felt a calmness come over me as I watched the pregnant lady gently rubbing her belly, and I knew all was well. We both stayed out there, and the shark continued on its way. I felt rather special and gained an appreciation for nature in my new backyard.

 

[seacrestkristi]

The pregnant lady made you feel safe.

 

[Chickpea]

Jdarg, Tootsie, Gang,

How far out were you +/-???? The opening post of this thread had me cracking up although I am glad you all are safe!!!

 

[ShallowsNole]

Good lord! And I thought I had a bad day yesterday!

Glad y'all are safe!!