Is the Colombiana Movie Scene of Swimming with Sharks Feasible?

The thrilling movie Colombiana features a scene where the main character, Emily Arden, swims with a great white shark. This scene, while visually stunning, raises questions about its feasibility in real life. Is it possible to safely swim with sharks as depicted in the movie? Let’s delve into the reality of swimming with sharks and explore the safety measures behind this audacious scene.

Understanding the Realities of Swimming with Sharks

First and foremost, it is important to understand that while sharks can be perceived as formidable and dangerous, they are more often indifferent to humans unless provoked. In reality, the chances of meeting a shark swimming in the ocean are relatively low, and encounters are usually brief. Data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) compiled by the Florida Museum of Natural History indicates that shark-human interactions are rare, and most incidents do not result in severe injury or death.

Sharks, like many other marine creatures, primarily hunt fish and other sea life that matches their size and feeding habits. Humans, however, do not typically fit into this category. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases, sharks are not interested in human flesh. Swimmers and divers who encounter sharks in the wild often report seeing the sharks swim past them as if they are invisible.

Safety Measures for Swimming with Sharks

Despite the rarity of shark attacks, humans who engage in open water activities, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, do need to take certain precautions. Here are some of the measures that professionals and enthusiasts use to ensure safety:

Proper Attire: Wearing a wet suit or a specialized shark protection suit can reduce the risk of a shark mistaking a diver for prey. Rubber suits or non-woven polypropylene suits can also make a diver less visible, as sharks use a combination of sight and other senses to target prey. Group Swimming: Swimming in groups can make you less of a target as sharks prefer to attack individuals or smaller groups. Healing Wounds: Care should be taken to treat and cover any open wounds or rashes, as these can attract sharks. Cautious Behavior: Avoid splashing, as it can mimic the movements of a stressed or injured animal, which is often an attractant for sharks.

The Feasibility of the Colombiana Movie Scene

Returning to the question at hand, can Emily Arden from Colombiana swim with a great white shark safely? The answer is that, while not impossible, it would be highly impractical and would require extensive preparation, careful planning, and unanticipated luck. In the movie, the scene was likely choreographed for dramatic effect, with the use of special effects and careful training. Realistically, swimming that close to a great white shark is fraught with danger due to their size and strength.

Professional shark-diving organizations, such as Ocean Quest, operate in areas where sharks are common, and they always have a support team on standby for safety. These organizations manage to safely interact with sharks, often using trained sharks for up-close and personal encounters. For such encounters, shark-divers use cages, trained handlers, and rigorous safety protocols. These measures are essential to minimize the risk to both the divers and the sharks.

Comparing this to the scene in Colombiana, it’s safe to say that the movie took dramatic liberties with the reality of shark interaction. While the scene may be thrilling on screen, it is not reflective of the actual procedures and preparations necessary for such an encounter.

Conclusion

While sharks are capable of being dangerous, most interactions with humans are benign. The scene in the movie Colombiana is an example of dramatic exaggeration for entertainment purposes. For real-life enthusiasts, swimming with sharks is a realistic but cautious activity. Professional organizations take extensive measures to ensure safety. In the end, while the scene in the movie may seem plausible for entertainment, it would be highly unlikely and extremely risky for real-life interaction.