New Device To Scare Off Sharks Now On Sale In Florida
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – While the state of Florida is the well-known shark-bite capital of the world, it's not necessarily the scariest place to be attacked by a shark.
That distinction is held in the waters around Australia, where the bites may not come in the quantities that they do around Florida but thanks to the presence of great white sharks, those bites can and have been significantly larger and more deadly.
With that in mind, it's no surprise that a new device meant to scare off sharks and keep them away was created by an Australian company.
The device, called the Shark Shield, has been brought from down under to the waters around Florida, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The company's website describes the Shark Shield as "comfortable and lightweight with a low drag antenna trailing behind providing complete freedom to enjoy your free-diving, spearfishing, scuba diving, surfing or kayak fishing."
When used, the Shark Shield produces an electrical field that causes a shark to spasm and swim away when getting within a meter or so of the device.
Don't worry about the shark though, as the product's website assures that "There are no known long term adverse effects to the shark."
In a press release from the company that makes the Shark Shield, it was announced that the product has been brought into the U.S. market in the Tampa Bay area, as well as in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Depending on the consumer's particular activity, such as kayaking, scuba diving or surfing, there are different kinds of Shark Shield devices ranging from $599 to $699.
"The Sun-Sentinel contributed to this report."