Down Under saw a total of 19 shark attacks in 2007, recorded the Shark Research Institute (Australia). (www.shark.org.au)     

Here are some facts about 'Jaws' and more importantly, how to avoid being a victim.

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The Straits Times, Dec 12, 2007
SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL SHARK ATTACK FILE

Risk is low

• Australians have a far greater risk of drowning than being killed by sharks. In the past two centuries, there have been about 200 recorded fatalities and only 50 in the past 60 years.
  
  
• In the 10 years from 1980, 11 people died from shark attacks in Australia. Over the same period, 19 were killed by lightning and 20 died from bee stings.

Danger zone

• Most attacks occur in near-shore waters, typically inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars where sharks feed and can become trapped at low tide.
  
  
• Places with steep dropoffs are also danger areas as sharks' natural prey congregate there.

Type of attacks

• The most common are "hit and run" attacks. These typically occur in the surf zone with swimmers and surfers the normal targets. In most instances, these probably are cases of mistaken identity by sharks.
  
  
• There are also "bump and bite" attacks and "sneak" attacks which, while less common, result in greater injuries and most fatalities. These types of attack usually involve divers or swimmers in deeper waters.

Reducing the risk

• It is best to stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
  
  
• Also, avoid being in the water at night or during twilight when sharks are most active. Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound.
  
  
• Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.