- Check your Ocean Conditions at your local beach, or on line at GlobalLifeguards.org for ocean safety conditions.
- Swim near a lifeguard.
- Avoid swimming in the evening or night when there is no lifeguard on duty. Sharks normally feed at this time.
- Avoid swimming alone. Dawn was attacked when she was by herself swimming laps.
- Sharks are attracted to bait fish. In Florida the bait fish typically have off white or yellow bellies and shiny scales. When Dawn was attacked she had on a yellow bathing cap and she was wearing jewelry.
- Avoid swimming when the ocean visibility is poor. Dawn was attacked when she was swimming in murky water. The visibility was less then 2-3 feet.
- Look for signs of bait fish. This is indicated by groups of small fish normally gathering together in a group. Bait fish can appear like a dark moving cloud in the water.
- Look for signs of large fish in the area ( jumping, splashing, swirls or fins cutting through the water). This could indicate sharks, tarpon, or any other potentially dangerous predator.
- Look for birds. Birds often eat remains of fish or live bait fish. Look for birds swooping down, or dive bombing into the ocean.
- If you have doubts for any reason do not go in and definitely do not let your child in.
- If you have any doubts about safety conditions speak to a lifeguard in person.
- If you notice any of the above signs or any other potentially hazardous condition, please help the lifeguards by letting them know. Conditions
can change at a moments notice and safety is a team effort.
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- I realized that I could survive. When I was attacked I was determined to make it. I was six and a half months pregnant and we had to survive.
- I never focused on dying. I was scared to death. Time seemed to slowdown, and everything appeared to be moving in slow motion. I wanted to live.
- I relied on my training. I attempted to signal the other lifeguard on duty for help. He did not respond. I tried to stay as calm as possible by accessing the damage and then I regrouped.
- I kept moving. When I realized that no one was coming to save me, I knew that I had to swim to shore as quickly as possible. I swam in using one arm and one leg.
- Never give up. When I got near the shore, I got held under by a large wave. It seemed like an eternity, but somehow I managed to get to the surface.
- I survived a shark attack pregnant while carrying my first son, Macintyre William Shark Schauman.
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