the foot after an encounter with a 12-foot-long shark last year.
In the Aug. 28, 2007, incident, 15-year-old Joshua Sumait of Hauula was about 400 yards offshore on his bodyboard when he turned around to see a 12-foot shark take his right foot in its mouth. He kicked to get away and suffered a 4-inch gash on the heel.
Other recent shark attacks in Hawaii included one on July 25 in which a woman snorkeling off Makaha was bitten, another in December, when a surfer was bitten, and a third in October, when a shark bit a swimmer’s leg in waters off Kihei on Maui, according to the state.
The last fatal shark attack in Hawaii occurred in April 2004 when 57-year-old surfer Willis McInnis was killed about 200 yards off Kahana in West Maui.
SAFE SWIMMINGThe state offers these ocean tips in the wake of shark sight-ings on the Big Island and Kauai, and a shark attack on Oahu.
» Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don’t move too far away from assistance.
» Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night.
» Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way.
» Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels or steep drop-offs.
» Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry.
» Refrain from excessive splashing. Keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
» Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present. Leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.
» If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Avoid swimming near dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks.
» Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.
» Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
Source: State Department of Land and Natural Resources
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