Five ways you can use technology to avoid getting eaten by a shark

The easiest way to avoid getting eaten by a shark is to simply take up an indoor sport, like ping pong or chess. But for some people, the call of the ocean is too strong!

Here are five options to take your shark-avoidance strategy high-tech:

The invisibility wetsuit

No, this isn't like the invisibility cloak in the Harry Potter movies. This wetsuit was developed by Shark Attack Mitigation Systems and the University of Western Australia, and it takes full advantage of the fact that sharks are essentially colourblind.

The purpose of the wetsuit is to also create disruptive coloration, which makes the wearer blend into the background while underwater. Plus, it’ll make the wearer hopefully appear unlike shark food!

Please note: SAMS does not guarantee that you will not get eaten while wearing this suit, so you may need a backup plan to stay safe!

Shark-repelling wristbands

If the invisibility wetsuit doesn't float your boat, how about a fancy shark-repelling bracelet? There are actually a number of these on the market that claim to repel sharks, but Sharkbanz is one of the more visually appealing!

Apparently the wristband uses patented magnetic technology to keep sharks away from vulnerable swimmers. The band disrupts the shark’s electro-receptors and that then deters sharks from coming closer to get a taste.

Like the wetsuit before, the Sharkbanz wristband can’t be 100% guaranteed!

Shark-repelling surfboards

A sharks nose is highly sensitive to electrical currents through a sensory system called “Ampullae of Lorenzini.” So many people try to use this to create technologies to repel sharks.

Shark Shield makes packs that can be attached to anything from surfboards and kayaks to your ankles or wrists. The shield creates a three dimensional electronic field around the swimmer or surfer that is intended to discomfort the shark and chase them away.

Shark tracking apps

Imagine if there was a simple tracker that could let you know if any sharks were in the area, then you wouldn't have to have so many anti-shark gizmos.

OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker is one app that lets you track the global movements of sharks that have been tagged by non-profit organisations. Although the main aim of the data is not for paranoid to keep track of sharks whereabouts, the information in real time is fantastic.

Shark-repelling cables

If you are among the extremely fearful and do not mind lobbying the local government, then you might try getting shark repelling electronic cables installed at your local beach.

Researchers here in Cape Town, South Africa have been trying out cable technology since late 2014. The 100 metre long cable is meant to ward off sharks by emitting a low frequency pulsed electronic signal that will hopefully prove too much for the shark’s sensitive nose.

In the end, you might just want to follow the most basic rules to avoid getting eaten, like don’t swim at night and leave the water if fish school is in high numbers.

If simple rules are not your thing, you are probably going to need a bigger and more high-tech boat!

For all your IT services, make sure to contact The Computer Guyz in Cape Town or Centurion. No, we don't have any shark-repelling gizmos, but we can offer you anything from general IT support and repairs to graphic design and website hosting.

Written By: Christine Romans

CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town