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Contact: Dani Crawford, 508-255-3421, ext. 0305
Come to Salt Pond Visitor Center on Monday, July 18 at 6 PM for tips on how to be "shark smart" this summer.This one-hour presentation will be especially relevant to members of the surfing, SUP, and kayaking communities who would like tips on lowering their risk of having a shark encounter. Several experts will present the latest information on community efforts to raise awareness of the presence of white sharks off the coast of Cape Cod. Representatives of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will provide up-to-date white shark safety information aimed at people recreating in Cape Cod waters. At the end of the presentation, a representative from the medical community will present practical techniques for handling beach emergencies.In addition, lifeguards will discuss preventative measures for beach hazards like rip currents, electrical storms, sunburn, and heat illness. White sharks, as well as the gray seals on which they feed, are native to Cape Cod waters. Since the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, gray seal numbers on Cape Cod have been recovering, providing white sharks with an abundant food source. Because seals and sharks frequent the same waters as surfers, swimmers, and paddlers, it's important for locals and visitors to understand precautions that can help reduce the risk of encountering sharks. IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with staff to assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items. For more information about the national seashore's programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco s |
Last updated: July 5, 2016