A Plettenberg Bay man has died after he was attacked by a shark at Lookout Beach, according to reports on News24.

The attack which happened on Tuesday, was confirmed by the National Sea Rescue Institute. The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon said that doctors had tried for hours to save the man who was apparently a surfer, but he could not confirm any reports that the attack was caused by a great white shark. He said that the NSRI was still speaking to the man's family and would not release the man's name until that had been done.

The attack happened at 09:11 at the Keurboom's river mouth on Lookout Beach which would make it a likely area for Bull sharks to be present - the most dangerous of the shark species due to its indiscriminate tendancies.

According to tweets from witnesses at the scene, the man’s leg was badly injured and the NSRI has advised not to swim in the Plettenberg Bay area but what more can you do to stay safe and enjoy the water?

Olivia Rose-Innes of Health24 spoke to Dr Sheldon Dudley of the Natal Sharks Board and he suggests taking the following precautions to minimise the risk of shark attacks (which, he reminds us, are rare events):

• Swim at recognised beaches where lifeguards and medical assistance are available if required. 
• Seek local knowledge before swimming. Locals may know if shark activity has been reported in the area, for example. 
• Don't swim where there are indications that predators might be attracted to the area. Examples are intense fishing activity close to shore or the presence of a stranded marine mammal on the beach that might be leaching attractive substances into the water. 
• Don't venture too far offshore. Most incidents that occur in Cape waters are at the backline of the surf-zone or beyond. Preferably, remain where you can stand. 
• Swim with others. If one member of the group is bitten, the other members can get that person to shore and seek medical help. If someone is bitten, the most important first aid measure is to stop the bleeding. 

Dr Dudley says that the caution about not swimming at dawn, dusk or at night will not help to avoid Great White attacks, as they have been known to attack at various times during the day.

You can find more shark safety tips on the Cape Town website and on Shark Spotters. 

Sources:

Lauren Hess - News24 & Olivia Rose-Innes - Health24