Sharks get all the scary headlines, but the real risks are far more ordinary — think toasters, vending machines, coconuts, and even kids’ toys. In this cheeky (but respectful) read, we put shark danger in perspective, meet gentle giants like whale sharks, and share why sharks should statistically fear us more than we fear them. You’ll also get calm, practical tips for confident, respectful encounters in Koh Tao. Curious which everyday things out-risk sharks by a mile? Wondering how many sharks humans kill each year — and why that matters? And is the person sitting next to you really more “dangerous” than a shark (yes, even if it’s a family member)? Dive in to find out. First: empathy, then perspective Shark incidents do happen, and they are frightening. Some are tragic. If you’ve lost someone or been affected, you have our respect and sympathy. This article is not here to poke fun at that. Our aim is to take some heat out of the “ocean monster” myth, ease a few nerves before your next dive, and remind everyone that sharks are wildlife, not villains. Sharks and risk: the short version In a typical year worldwide, there are only a few dozen unprovoked shark bites, and very few of those are fatal. That’s among billions of human ocean entries. The risk is tiny. It is not zero — nature never is — but it’s nowhere near the blockbuster-movie script that lives in our heads. As divers, we manage the risk with good briefings, calm behaviour, and respect for wildlife. No drama required. Meanwhile, everyday life is… surprisingly dangerous Here’s the tongue-in-cheek part. The things below cause far more injuries and deaths than sharks every year — yet nobody makes horror films about them: Mosquitoes: the world’s deadliest animal, thanks to diseases like malaria and dengue. Tiny wings, huge impact. Drowning: currents, rips, and poor swimming skills claim far more lives than any fin ever will. Water safety matters. Road traffic: the everyday commute we barely think about is statistically one of the riskiest things we do. Lightning: thunderstorms beat “Jaws” without even trying. Livestock: cows and horses cause more fatalities in some countries than all sharks combined. No, really. Selfies & smartphones: risky shots near cliffs, waves, and rooftops have led to many more tragedies than sharks. And then there are the really absurd ones people love to quote: Toasters: electricity + water in kitchens = an annual tally that would make any shark blush. Vending machines: every year, a surprising number of people are seriously injured by tipping machines. Snacks can be savage. Coconuts: falling from tall palms. Tropical, scenic… and occasionally head-bonky. Kids’ toys: small parts and falls send children (and parents) to the ER far more often than shark encounters do. The point isn’t to make light of serious things. It’s to show how wildly out of proportion our fear of sharks can be. We worry about fins, while ignoring hazards we actually live with every day. Sharks that are utterly harmless (and totally wonderful) Let’s spotlight the gentle giants we meet around Thailand: Whale sharks: the largest fish on Earth, and big softies by nature. They filter feed on plankton and small fish, have tiny teeth, and no interest in you, your lunch, or your GoPro. If you’re lucky, you might see one around pinnacles like Sail Rock. We keep it respectful: look, don’t touch, give space, and enjoy the privilege. Bamboo and catsharks: small, shy, often nocturnal. Most divers never notice them unless a guide points them out. Leopard (zebra) sharks: beautifully patterned, slow-moving, and generally unbothered by calm divers who keep their distance. Who should fear whom? Here’s the uncomfortable twist. Humans kill tens of millions of sharks every year — through targeted fishing, finning, and accidental bycatch. Some scientific estimates place the annual toll at around 100 million (and sometimes more). That scale threatens populations and unbalances marine food webs. If sharks had newspapers, the front-page headline would be about us. So yes: statistically, many shark species should be more afraid of humans than we are of them. If you love seeing sharks underwater, support sustainable seafood choices, responsible tourism, and marine protection. Your dive choices matter. Why the myth sticks Fear loves a good story. “Person has perfectly normal day at the beach” doesn’t sell. A fin silhouette, dramatic music, and a splash? Instant headline. We also suffer from what psychologists call the “availability heuristic”: we overestimate risks we can picture vividly. Movie sharks stick in the mind much more than seatbelts, rips, or road junctions. But divers know something else: reality is quieter. Most sharks avoid us. Most encounters are blink-and-you’ll-miss-it. On the rare day the stars align and you see one clearly, it’s brief, calm, and breathtaking for all the right reasons. A tiny, cheeky reality check Statistically, the person sitting next to you right now is more likely to harm you than a shark — even if it’s a beloved family member. Not because your family is dangerous (we hope), but because humans spend huge amounts of time with other humans, doing human things like driving, cooking, and debating who ate the last cookie. Sharks? They spend their days doing shark things, very far from your sofa. OK, but I’m still nervous… what should I actually do? Totally normal. Fear isn’t always rational. Here’s how to replace nerves with good habits: Choose respectful operators: dive with centers that brief wildlife etiquette properly (no feeding, no touching, keep distance). Tell your guide how you feel: we can pick calmer sites, keep groups small, and stick to easy, relaxed routes. Get your buoyancy dialled: good control lowers stress and keeps your focus on the moment, not on the movie in your head. Learn the signs: hand signals, recall signals, and a clear plan beat anxiety every time. Focus on the reef, not the fear: look for shrimp, nudibranchs, and reef fish. Mindfulness underwater is real and it works. Shark sense for divers (what we brief on our boats) See a shark? Stay calm and enjoy: slow finning, keep your distance, stay off its path, and avoid boxing an animal between divers. No flashes, no chasing: photography is great when it’s patient and quiet. Let the moment come to you. Stay together: keep a tidy profile and give each other room. Good team discipline keeps encounters smooth and short. Respect the whole food web: don’t harass rays, turtles, or schooling fish. Healthy ecosystems make healthy shark populations. More things that deserve your attention than shark fear If you’re going to worry about something at the beach, make it these: Sun & heat: hydrate, shade up, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Heat stress ruins dive days faster than any fish. Currents & rips: ask about conditions; listen to the briefing; use DSMBs when required. Boats: propellers and ladders demand awareness. Signal clearly at the surface and follow pickup instructions. Seasickness: take motion meds early, eat light, and get breeze and horizon time on the ride out. Buddy skills: agree depth, time, and turn pressure; check each other calmly; celebrate the dive on the boat, not in a rushing ascent. For the trivia lovers: the “sillier than sharks” list, expanded Because you asked for it, here’s a longer roll of everyday things that, across various reports and studies, regularly outpace sharks in causing injuries or fatalities somewhere in the world: Toasters & electricity in kitchens: pay attention with wet hands around plugs and appliances. Vending machines: do not rock them. Ever. Snack discipline saves lives. Coconuts: don’t nap directly under tall palm trees on windy days. Hammocks included. Kids’ toys: small parts, falls, and wheels lead to ER visits. Helmets and supervision help. Ladders: gravity works every time. Three points of contact, always. Chairs & beds: yes, falls at home are a major cause of injury. Soft things can still be sneaky. Dogs (beloved but bouncy): bites and knock-downs are common; training and leads reduce risk. DIY tools: read the manual before you power up the drama. None of this is to scare you away from toast, naps, or Labradors. It’s to put sharks back in their rightful place: fascinating animals that rarely, rarely cause harm to people. How Phoenix Divers approaches shark encounters People-first briefings: we explain species you might see around Koh Tao, outline respectful distances, and answer all the “what if” questions. Calm, small groups: fewer bubbles, better control, and a nicer time for wildlife and divers alike. Right site, right day: we match conditions and experience. If you’re nervous, we start simple and keep it easy. Education with a smile: learn to love sharks as neighbours, not nightmares. It’s better for you and for the reef. Final thought: awe beats fear Sharks are older than dinosaurs. They’re vital to ocean health. And most of the time, they want nothing to do with you. If you do meet one underwater, breathe slow, watch respectfully, feel the awe — and remember you’re lucky to be there. Then come tell us about it on deck, with a cold drink and a grin. Come dive (calmly) with us Ready to swap shark myths for real-life magic? Join Phoenix Divers for relaxed reef dives and SSI courses in Koh Tao. We keep the tone friendly, the groups small, and the briefings clear. Send us a message and let’s plan your dives — whale sharks and wisecracks optional, good vibes guaranteed.