Swimming in the ocean can be an exhilarating experience. However, encountering marine life like whales while swimming can be alarming for some. If you find yourself approached by a whale while swimming, it’s important to remain calm and know what actions to take.
Assess the Situation
The first step is to quickly assess the situation. Identify what type of whale it is, its behavior, and how close it is to you. This will help determine if the whale poses an immediate threat.
There are around 90 different species of whales, some of which are more likely to approach swimmers than others. Generally, the larger whale species like humpback, grey, and sperm whales are more curious but not considered dangerous. Smaller whales like orcas and pilot whales tend to be more predatory. Also look for any calves nearby, as mother whales may be more protective and aggressive.
Try to gauge the whale’s behavior. Signs it is acting aggressively include thrashing its tail, bellowing, and charging towards you. If the whale seems calm and docile, it is likely just curious. Pay attention to how close the whale is getting. Within 100 feet requires caution, while 10-30 feet is considered dangerously close.
Stay Calm
When you spot a whale approaching, it’s essential to control your emotions and remain calm. Whales are very intelligent creatures that may sense your mood and reactions. Panicking, screaming, or thrashing around will only further attract the whale’s attention.
Take slow deep breaths to keep your heart rate low. Try to keep your movements slow, steady, and minimal. Avoid direct eye contact with the whale as well. Calm energy will signal to the whale you are not a threat.
Assess Your Position
Carefully observe where you are in relation to the whale when it approaches. This includes:
- How far you are from shore
- Water depth below you
- If any boats/kayaks are nearby that can assist
- Direction the whale is coming from
This information will help you determine the best course of action to create distance safely or signal for help.
Back Away Slowly
If the whale seems calm and non-aggressive, slowly back away to create more space between you and the animal. Move smoothly without splashing and keep your gaze downwards.
Swim at an angle away from the whale rather than directly backwards. Whales typically follow divers out of curiosity, so maintaining a bit of space allows you to monitor its behavior.
Continue backing away calmly until you feel you’ve created a safe distance between you and the whale. This may take patience as whales can swim close to 20 mph.
Group Together
If you are swimming with companions, gently signal them to gather closely together. This consolidates you into one mass that is less intriguing for a curious whale.
Tread water while facing outward from the group so you can keep an eye on the whale. Holding onto each other may also provide reassurance.
Get in a Raft/Kayak
If a raft, kayak, or other watercraft is nearby, try to quickly but cautiously swim towards it while keeping an eye on the whale. Carefully pull yourself up and out of the water into the boat.
The whale will likely lose interest once you are fully out of the water. But remain alert in case the whale surfaces near the boat.
Call for Help
If a chase begins and the whale seems aggressive, it’s critical to call for help. Wave your arms and yell loudly to signal distress to nearby boats, shore, or fellow swimmers.
You can also activate a personal locator beacon (PLB) device to send an emergency alert. If wearing an inflatable lifejacket, deploy it for greater visibility.
Go Underwater
Submerging underwater is controversial advice, but may be effective for certain whale species. The idea is going underwater removes you from view and ends the interaction.
First take a deep breath, then swim down 10-15 feet. Remain submerged for 30 seconds before slowly resurfacing. Repeat if the whale remains focused on you.
This technique is thought to work best with naturally deep diving whales like sperm and pilot whales who may follow you underwater. It is not recommended for shallow whales who could trap you underwater.
Swim Towards Shore
If you are within a reasonable distance, make a controlled swim towards shore while keeping the whale in your peripheral vision. Avoid excessive splashing or panic.
aim for any piers, jetties or shallow areas that could block the whale. Call for help once you reach shore in case others are still in the water.
Use Deterrents as Last Resort
Noise makers like air horns or whistles are sometimes carried by ocean swimmers and divers in case of emergencies. They create loud startling sounds that may deter a threatening whale.
However, experts agree deterrents should only be used as an absolute last resort. They can anger the whale and prompt an attack. Only utilize them if the whale directly approaches with clear predatory behavior.
Conclusion
Staying vigilant and knowing how to respond are key to staying safe if approached by a whale while swimming. Always remain calm, back away slowly, and signal for help whenever possible. Following these tips will allow you to handle the encounter safely and minimize risk of harm.
| Whale Type | Potential Threat Level |
|---|---|
| Orca (killer whale) | High |
| Sperm whale | Low |
| Humpback whale | Low |
| Gray whale | Low |
| Pilot whale | Moderate |
Key Points
- Stay calm and control your panic
- Assess the whale’s behavior and proximity
- Back away slowly and cautiously
- Group together if others are present
- Get out of water into boat/raft if possible
- Call for help from boats, shore, or swimmers
- Swim to shore if close enough
- Use noise deterrents only as last resort