Shark repellent bands offer false safety, experts warn after fatal attack
Experts say popular magnetic shark repellent bands give swimmers a false sense of security and have not prevented attacks.
A shark expert warned that wearable bands don't work well. A 65-year-old woman was killed in a shark attack off South Africa while wearing a magnetic band.
Shark expert Sharky Baxter called the devices little more than a sugar pill. The bands give people false security, he said.
Scientist Maddy Massie explained that magnetic deterrents only work within about 1 metre. Electric devices are more reliable, they interfere with a shark's electrical senses.
But neither type guarantees safety. Experts also noted that sales surge after shark attacks as worried swimmers rush to buy them.
- 65 years old
- Victim's age
- Off South Africa
- Attack location
- Less than 1 metre
- Magnetic range
- Sales surge after shark encounters
- Market response
Why it mattersThe bands don't work reliably. Experts say swimmers should focus on proven safety: swim between flags and stay in groups.
AustraliaAustralian swimmers also use magnetic shark repellent bands under the assumption they work, though experts say the evidence is weak.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 15 h ago
