Australian scientists have tested the strength of bite-resistant wetsuits by allowing sharks to chomp on the materials at sea and have found that the suits can actually keep swimmers safe. Fatal shark bites are rare these days, with less than 50 unprovoked shark bites on humans worldwide. However, increased sightings of large sharks in some parts of the world have swimmers, surfers and divers looking for new ways to stay safe. Scientists with Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, tested the efficacy of wetsuit materials Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster and have found that all of the materials offer an improved level of protection that can reduce severe wounds and blood loss. The promise of effective shark-resistant wetsuits is encouraging for people who spend a lot of time in areas where there are large sharks, including surfers and spearfishers. Researchers say the suits don’t eliminate all risks associated with sharks, and precautions still need to be taken around the animals. They are, however, hopeful that their research will help the public.
