Imagine you’re at the beach and someone screams, “Shark!” People will leap out of the water in half a second! Nothing scares people more than a shark sighting. But you are more likely to be hit on the head with a coconut than to be attacked by a shark. You should have fun at the beach. Just don’t stand under a coconut tree!

It helps to know that not all sharks are dangerous. There are more than 400 different kinds, and most are no threat at all.

When we were chased by a shark, two dolphins helped us. But dolphins might not always be around, so it’s good to have some information:

1. Don’t swim after dark. Sharks most often feed at night.

2. Never swim where people are fishing. The blood from bait or dead fish is a shark magnet.

3. If you have a cut, don’t go in the water. Sharks can smell a single drop of blood without any problem at all.

4. If you see a shark, swim to the shore as smoothly as you can. Don’t kick, scream, and splash around. Sharks go after wounded prey, so don’t act like one.

5. If a shark gets close enough to attack, punch it hard over and over again in its eyes or gills. These are its weakest spots.

6. Sharks often bump people before attacking. If this happens, swim away as calmly as possible and go back to shore. And then warn everyone by screaming your head off!

7. Now you can ask for an ice cream cone. You deserve one. Actually, maybe two.