Beware: Shark spotted!

This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about sharks.  They fascinate us.  Why?  Because they are great looking.  Fast.  Relentless.  Fun to watch through the glass of a big aquarium.  But you do not want to encounter one in the water.  A shark may mistake you for a fish that is good to eat or is a competitor.  On several days in June, sharks were spotted off Treasure Coast beaches, and lifeguards ordered people out of the water.  The routine is for lifeguards to wait 30 minutes to make sure there are no further sightings.  If a shark does not leave, no swimming is allowed.  When sharks are cruising our waters, my advice is to swim only at beaches with lifeguards.  If a shark is spotted, don’t panic.  Get out quickly but with a minimum of splashing.  Stay on the beach while the double red flag is flying.  Wait for the yellow caution flag to be displayed before you go back in.  I’m Paul Janensch.