Watch Great White Shark Follow Open Water Swimmer in San Diego (Clip)

Jade Eckardt
·2 min read
33

There's been a heck of a lot of shark posts lately thanks to photogs and their drones. But let's be real–we love 'em.

Simply put, shark footage fascinates us. That's probably because it blends feelings of excitement, suspense, fear, and intrigue of the unknown together.

We've seen sharks following stand-up paddlers and hanging around surfers in lineups. But the drone footage below shows a new scenario, just a shark following a swimmer in the open ocean.

The clip above was shot by ocean photographer and shark advocate, Scott Fairchild.

He captioned the post:

"Great White investigates an open water swimmer. While this can be alarming to watch, it’s also a perfect microcosm of all that is true with respect to Great Whites. Sharks are in fact apex predators, wild animals, that need to be treated with respect and caution. They are most certainly not puppies. They are, however, highly curious and intelligent animals that don’t actively hunt us.

"This short video demonstrates the thought process and actions of a Great White. With unmatched hunting skills, it approaches from beneath and behind, showing that self-preservation comes first and that a surprise attack provides the greatest chance of success. Success being defined as first and foremost, their own safety, and secondly a kill. And last but not least, their obvious knowledge that we are not a part of their diet.

"Similar to other animals that we love like whales, elephants, and lions: sharks deserve our respect and our protection. In fact, it’s imperative for the health of our oceans."

The comments were flooded with shark caution, but a few viewers brought comic relief to the conversation:

"The Speedo most definitely sent him swimming the opposite direction."

"Never mind the giant shark, the real terror is this man’s swim stroke."

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