In the first four months of 2008, four fatal shark attacks along with numerous non-fatal attacks worldwide.

The increasing numbers have alarmed beachgoers, and scientists and shark experts are looking for the reason behind the attacks.

Some theorize the cause may be global warming. Warmer waters could mean sharks will turn up in places they haven’t before. Al Gore never warned me about this. I’ll definitely be more diligent about my recycling now!

“As long as we have an increase in human hours in the water, we will have an increase in shark bites,” says George Burgess, who maintains the International Shark Attack File.

Other factors, such as overfishing, may also be at play. If the sharks’ food supply is reduced, they’ll go looking elsewhere for food.

Do your part.

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Mike Rutzen, aka the Sharkman, demonstrates how he can induce “tonic immobility” in sharks. It’s a natural state of paralysis created by turning them on their heads and massaging their snouts, close to the eyes.

The effects last for around 15 minutes. Better get outta there quick…

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Before becoming a famous chef, Julia Child worked for the OSS where she helped the U.S. spy agency develop shark repellent, a critical ingredient in protecting explosives used to sink German U-boats during World War II. The repellent is still used by the U.S. Navy. Get me some of that!

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Well here’s one way I might be convinced to go scuba diving. Nemo 33 is a recreational diving center in Belgium that is home to the world’s deepest swimming pool. The pool has two large areas that are 16 ft and 32 ft deep, and a large circular pit that’s 108 ft deep. Filled with non-chlorinated, spring water maintained at 86°F, it’s also got several man-made underwater caves and some windows that allow outside visitors to watch.

Thanks Jose!

Wearing pantyhose in the water will prevent jellyfish stings.

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